The Impacts of Tourism Initiatives on Rural Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction in South Africa: Mathenjwa and Mqobela - Responsible Tourism: Critical Issues for Conservation and Development - page 215

11
The Impacts of Tourism Initiatives
on Rural Livelihoods and Poverty
Reduction in South Africa:
Mathenjwa and Mqobela
Murray C. Simpson
This chapter gives the summary results of two case studies conducted to analyse
the impacts of tourism on rural livelihoods and poverty reduction in Maputaland,
South Africa. The chapter reflects critically on the analyses, considers the poten-
tial roles of the private sector and elements that are important for communities to
receive appropriate and effective livelihood benefits from tourism initiatives. The
data were gathered through a structured and integrated assessment approach
designed to evaluate more accurately the impacts of tourism initiatives on rural
livelihoods and poverty reduction.
Background
Tourism neologisms such as ecotourism, pro-poor tourism, community tourism,
sustainable tourism, responsible tourism and community benefit tourism
(Goodwin, 1996; Mowforth and Munt, 1998; Swarbrooke, 1999; Ashley et al,
2001; WWF, 2001; Goodwin and Francis, 2003; Simpson, 2008a) are based on
the premise that tourism in a generic sense should develop in an environmentally,
economically and socially sustainable manner. However, despite the undoubted
importance of these goals it has been difficult to assess the success of tourism
initiatives that aim to benefit the environment and local communities whilst also