Investigating the current challenges of cultural tourism for sustainable local economic development in KZN province, South Africa

Yvonne Celinhlanhla Cele and Muhammad Hoque
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Yvonne Celinhlanhla Cele: KwaZulu-Natal Museum
Muhammad Hoque: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 611-615

Abstract: This study investigates the prevailing barriers to the development of cultural tourism to become an inclusive and participatory agent of local economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Using a mixed methods study approach, researchers collected data by giving structured questionnaires and conducting semi-structured interviews in eleven culturally rich areas of the province. Quantitative findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly eroded tourism growth, followed closely by the lack of local engagement, primarily among the youth and women, largely resulting from the unavailability of information and the lack of support for small businesses. Qualitative findings endorse the stated barriers, indicating the lack of sufficient strategic planning, under-marketing of the culture of tourism, and the lack of integration of such aspects of culture, such as traditional foods and arts, into touristic products. The study calls for inclusive policies to empower marginalised communities, widen community engagement, and utilise KZN’s cultural resources to drive economic transformation. It concludes by providing recommendations for responsive governance, strategic marketing, and development paradigms that can reposition cultural tourism as a viable path for inclusive development in the province. Key Words: Cultural tourism; Sustainable development; Local economic development; Community participation; Inclusive tourism; Youth and women empowerment; Tourism policy

Date: 2025
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