Residents and Stakeholder Opinions on Township Tourism in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa

Ronnie Donaldson (), Tina Odinakachi Iirmdu, Musfiqah Majiet and Pauline Van der Spuy
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Ronnie Donaldson: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
Tina Odinakachi Iirmdu: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
Musfiqah Majiet: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
Pauline Van der Spuy: Tourism Development, City of Cape Town 7100, South Africa

Geographies, 2023, vol. 3, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: Township tourism has become more varied, offering a wider range of products, experiences and services. In this paper, we examine residents and stakeholders’ opinions on township tourism in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa; an area characterised by crime, unemployment, housing backlogs and poverty. Using a qualitative approach, this paper reports on empirical evidence conducted with key tourism stakeholders to understand some of their perceptions regarding township tourism development in Langa. Concerns about safety, poor infrastructure and a lack of interaction between tourists and the local community are raised by Langa residents and community leaders. Their dissatisfaction with tour guides and tour routes serves as a reminder of the need for more inclusive practices. While business owners are aware of the potential of tourism in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, deepening understanding and creating priceless experiences, they are constrained by perceptions of crime, a lack of tourist exposure to local establishments and the exclusion from decision-making processes. Despite these difficulties that township tourism faces, it is crucial to promote ethical tourism practices that put emphasis on genuine encounters and local community empowerment.

Keywords: township tourism; tourism perception; safety and security; ubunthu (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q15 Q5 Q53 Q54 Q56 Q57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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