Hitches affecting the utilization of immovable municipal assets in achieving tourism development in East London city, South Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges facing South African local municipalities in fully capitalizing on immovable municipal assets to develop, grow and promote tourism. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Secondary data was deployed, whereas primary data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Purposive and stratified sampling methods were applied. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) departments' responsible for immovable municipal assets and tourism within the city of East London were targeted. Out of the 38 departments, the researchers' identified 6 departments that have a direct control over immovable municipal assets and tourism in East London city. A total of 31 employees were surveyed. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 was used for the analysis of the results. The Department of Community Services manages most, (60%), of the city's immovable assets, yet these assets are less utilized for tourism development. Very few of the city municipal assets are considered for use in adventure, culture and sports activities. The key findings point to lack of safety and security, poor hygiene including lack of marketing and knowledge on tourism as the foremost problems thwarting the use of immovable municipal assets. Immovable municipal assets should be recognized and promoted in-line with tourism activities. Municipalities also need to increase tourism personnel and initiate roadshows and workshops to sensitize liable local government departments on prioritizing tourism. If managed properly, immovable municipal assets have the potential to increase both domestic and international visitation.