Riglyne vir die ontwikkeling van 'n ekotoerisme-attraksie : met spesifieke verwysing na vleilande

Abstract

South Africa, undoubtedly, has the natural resources and unique cultural diversity to become and internationally acclaimed ecotourism destination. The Country's natural resources can be a major contributor to long-term economical success should a sound and viable tourism infrastructure be in place. The effective management of tourism and the natural resources of a country plays an important role in future tourism development, which in return will ensure environmental and economical sustainability. The thesis discusses guidelines for the development of an ecotourism attraction, with specific reference to wetlands and the impact of ecotourism on wetlands, The study has lead to the following conclusions, e.g.: - Wetlands can maintain a variety of plant- and wildlife and therefore ecotourism development is essential as a long-term goal and objective of developers and role-players in a tourism field. - Sustainable ecotourism has a definite impact on wetlands and the local community influencing: job opportunities and job creation; improvement of the infrastructure; the conservation and respect for the local culture; the conservation of biodiversity; and improving environmental quality. The importance of wetlands, and integral part of ecotourism and environmental development, is the sector badly neglected and yet the incorporation of wetlands in tourism related development is crucial.