UJ School of Tourism and Hospitality

CONFERENCE BOOKLET From Recovery to Resilience in Tourism: Sustainable Pathways for Transforming Tourism 2023

CONTENTS 1 Welcome Prof Diane Abrahams, STH Director 2 Foreword Prof Tembi Tichaawa, University of Johannesburg Prof Jarkko Saarinen, University of Oulu 4 Speakers Prof Gustav Visser Ms Judy Kepher-Gona Prof Urmilla Bob Prof Robin Nunkoo 8 Programme 22 Abstracts

Welcome Jambo! Dumelang! Sanibonani! Molweni! Lotjani! Aa! Avuxeni! Hɘ’lō!Hello! Warm greetings to all the delegates attending the inaugural International Conference from Recovery to Resilience in Tourism (ICFRRT) 2023. The ICFRRT 2023 is organised by the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality and the University of Oulu. The focus of the conference is to explore sustainable pathways for transforming the tourism industry in the context of recovery and resilience building. We are particularly excited to present our keynote speakers, namely: Ms. Judy KepherGona (Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda); Prof Robin Nunkoo (University of Mauritius); Prof Urmilla Bob (University of KwaZuluNatal) and Prof Gustav Visser (University of Stellenbosch), who will be sharing their insights on the conference theme; and probing our thinking on the concepts of tourism recovery and resilience in the post-COVID environment and beyond. The programme also features a host of sessions exploring different sub-themes that are topical and critical in unpacking how recovery and resilience can be redefined. Ultimately our aim is to bring together a diversity of thought, research knowledge and experience that is all rooted in the common vision of building a strong and thriving future for the tourism sector. We trust you will actively engage in the discussions and experience the conference a great value-add providing different perspectives. Kiitos. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Diane Prof Diane Abrahams, STH Director 1

Foreword The University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality and the University of Oulu, Finland, are proud to present the international academic conference on the theme “From Recovery to Resilience: Sustainable Pathways for Transforming Tourism”. The conference is premised on the fact that for a long time, tourism has been considered as a highly resilient growth-driven industry. Since the 1950s, global tourism has been on a constant development path that has made the industry one of the world’s largest economic sectors. As a result, tourism’s global and regional economic impacts have become increasingly important. Globally, tourism has been estimated to support every tenth job, and in South Africa, for example, the tourism industry represented seven per cent of the total GDP and supported 1.5 million jobs in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed – at least temporally – the course of tourism development. Instead of being resilient, the tourism industry was considered a highly vulnerable sector to external pressures and shocks, such as the outbreak of the pandemic. In addition, research has indicated that the industry is vulnerable to many other elements in its’ operational environment, such as climate change, natural disasters and economic and geopolitical changes. All this has activated a need for adaptation, recovery and building better resilience for the future industry and tourism-dependent communities. Ideally, resilience building would help the industry to undergo recovery transitions in a sustainable manner and cope and adapt to future changes. Prof Tembi Tichaawa 2

Prof Jarkko Saarinen This transformation calls for developments and sustainability innovations in tourism research, education, learning, training, development policies, strategies and governance. The conference includes over 100 delegates from various academic institutions globally. We have 73 excellent papers covering various sub-themes, linked to the overall conference theme. The conference is supported by four journals (Development Southern Africa, Tourism Planning and Development, Africa Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure and Geojournal of Tourism Geosites) with planned special issues based on selected papers to be published between 2023 and 2024. The timing of the conference could not have been better. South Africa celebrates Tourism and Heritage month, and on 27 September the world observes World Tourism Day. On behalf of the conference organizing and scientific committees, we extend warm tourism greetings and welcome to all our delegates. We trust you will find this conference stimulating, engaging, and inspiring. Conference Co-chairs Prof Tembi Tichaawa, University of Johannesburg Prof Jarkko Saarinen, University of Oulu 3

Speakers Prof Gustav Visser is a distinguished urban geographer known for his profound academic journey. He began his academic pursuit at Stellenbosch University, where he completed his undergraduate education. He later earned his doctorate from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, with a research focus on the spatialities of social justice theorization in post-apartheid cities. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of the Witwatersrand, Gustav transitioned to the University of the Free State before settling as a Professor of Geography at Stellenbosch University, where he currently teaches and conducts research. His research is multifaceted, encompassing topics such as identity-based consumption and urban morphological change. These intellectual pursuits have culminated in eight co-edited or co-authored books and an impressive portfolio of over 150 academic articles and book chapters. Gustav’s scholarly achievements are further highlighted by his NRF B rating and substantial research funding support from this institution. His ongoing research projects delve into areas such as queer sexualities and the intricate relationship between tourism and development. In addition to his research, Gustav actively contributes to the academic community. He has held roles as past treasurer, president, and now fellow of the Society of South African Geographers. Furthermore, he generously dedicates his expertise to the field by serving on the editorial boards of several esteemed academic journals and acting as a book series editor for Springer. Prof Gustav Visser 4

Prof Robin Nunkoo Prof Robin Nunkoo is an esteemed academic with an extensive international presence. He serves as a Professor at the University of Mauritius, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, an Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, a Visiting Researcher at the Copenhagen Business School, and holds the distinguished title of Eminent Scholar at Kyung Hee University in South Korea. His academic journey includes earning a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Waterloo in Canada. Dr. Nunkoo is also deeply involved in the academic community, where he takes on the role of Managing Editor for the Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management, and holds positions on the editorial boards of several renowned journals. Dr. Nunkoo’s impressive body of work is showcased through publications in leading tourism and management journals. His research interests span across quantitative techniques, sustainable tourism, and the sociology of knowledge. His contributions to academia have earned him recognition as a highly cited researcher by Clarivate in both 2021 and 2022, solidifying his status as a leading global researcher across various rankings. 5

Speakers Prof Urmilla Bob is a distinguished academic, currently serving as a Full Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She also holds the crucial role of University Dean of Research. With a Masters degree and PhD in Geography from West Virginia University, along with an additional Masters degree in Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne, Prof. Bob boasts a strong academic foundation. Her research spans developmental and environmental issues, contributing both nationally and internationally through publications and consultancy-based projects. She has guided over 75 Masters and PhD students in their academic journeys and actively collaborates with national and international organisations. Prof. Bob’s skill set includes expertise in research methodologies, monitoring and evaluation, indicator development, impact assessments, and gender analysis. She also serves on the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Planning Commission and the Board of the International Evaluation Academy. Prof Urmilla Bob 6

Judy Kepher-Gona Judy Kepher-Gona, the founder and principal consultant of STTA, holds a Master’s in Rural Sociology and Community Development, specialising in sustainable tourism. For almost two decades, she has passionately advocated for sustainable tourism globally, emphasising community engagement, equity, and diversity. Notable recent achievements include co-editing “Sustainable Tourism Dialogues in Africa” in 2021 and appearing in the documentary “The Last Tourist.” In 2019, Forbes Women Africa honored her with the Sustainable Citisen Award for her outstanding contributions to sustainability awareness in African tourism. In 2020, she was recognised as one of the world’s top 40 Sustainable Tourism leaders and received the Legacy in Responsible Tourism Award from the Centre for Responsible Tourism. Judy’s expertise extends to assessing and advising on high-level sustainability programs, including the World Travel and Tourism Council Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, World Legacy Awards, LongRun GER label, UNWTO Best Villages Awards, and the International Tourism Film Festival Africa. She generously offers pro-bono support to industry organisations globally and locally, serving on boards such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), former advisory board member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), Africa board member of the African Wildlife Foundation, board director of the Centre For Responsible Tourism (CREST), ex-board member of Fair-Trade Tourism (FTT), Chairperson of Mara North Conservancy Kenya, and Director of Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW Kenya). Judy is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at prestigious tourism events worldwide 7

Programme Sunday – 10 September: Preconference activities Time Event Venue 16:00 – 19:00 Conference registration The Fairway Hotel Monday 11 September: Day 1 Time Event Venue 08:00 – 17:00 Registration Desk Open 09:00 – 09:30 Welcome and opening Professor Tembi Tichaawa & Professor Jarkko Saarinen - Conference Co-Chairs Professor Twinomurinzi Hossana - Vice-Dean: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation College of Business and Economics , University of Johannesburg Windsor Ball Room 09:30 – 10:15 Keynote: Prof. Robin Nunkoo – The need for interdisciplinary perspectives in sustainable tourism research: Current state of knowledge and the future Windsor Ball Room 10:15 – 10:45 Tea and networking break 10:45 – 12:00 Parallel Session 1 Theme: Climate and environmental change impacts and resilience Time Title Authors Venue Chair Rational and moral antecedents of tourists’ intention to use reusable alternatives to single-use plastics Adam Isaahaku Randpark 1 Jarkko Sarrinen 8

Climate change disclosures by hotels in the Global South Ngoni Shereni & Christian Rogerson Randpark 1 Jarkko Sarrinen Examination of priority environmental SDGs for international hotels operating in South Africa post day zero and COVID 19 Sisamkele Mdoda & Kaitano Dube Randpark 1 Jarkko Sarrinen The great OR Tambo International Airport flood: Dealing with the harsh realities of climate induced extreme weather events Tawanda Makuyana, Godwell Nhamo & Kaitano Dube Randpark 1 Jarkko Sarrinen Examining the differences between automated and manually acquiring TripAdvisor data to determine the climate sensitivity of South African visitors Dineo Mokgehle & Jennifer Fitchett Randpark 1 Jarkko Sarrinen Theme: Eco, adventure and nature-based tourism Time Title Authors Venue Chair Neglected historical geographies of coastal tourism: Mossel Bay, South Africa c.1850- 1991 Christian Rogerson Randpark 2 Julia Giddy Leveraging social capital to regenerate the ecotourism sector in Cameroon Vyasha Harilal Randpark 2 Julia Giddy 9

The impact of unsustainable environmental practices on tourism and local economic development: The case of the Hartbeespoort Dam region Chane de Bruyn & Daniel Meyer Randpark 2 Julia Giddy Challenges and Opportunities for Transformation in South African Nature-based Tourism Julia Giddy Randpark 2 Julia Giddy The Push and Pull Factors Influencing Tourists to Visit Protected Areas: A Case of HluhluweiMfolozi Park Nomfundo Sinethemba Mzimela, Nelisile Zanele Mgabhi & Zinhle Mhlongo Randpark 2 Julia Giddy 1 Theme: Sustainable tourism and hospitality education and learning Time Title Authors Venue Chair The impact of the Pandemic on University Students studying Hospitality Management in South Africa Anisah Deen, Dawn Khuluse, Erica Sao Joao & Anesu Kuhudzai Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Guest satisfaction at commercial hospitality training facilities: The key to sustainable hospitality education Gerald Hamadziripi & Tracy Daniels Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Generational differences in Ghanaian students’ sustainability behaviours Aaron Yankholmes Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels 10

Tourism-Related Entrepreneurial Education: A Remedy for Youths Unemployment in South Africa Zinhle Mhlongo, Sibusiso David Ntshangase, Nelisiwe Zanala Mgabhi & Nomfundo Mzimela Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Rethinking study-abroad programmes: Prospects for universities in South Africa Elhaam Abrahams & Hillary Bama Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Theme: Tourism and community development Time Title Authors Venue Chair Depictions of travel in a Portuguese diaspora community newspaper in South Africa Maisa Adinolfi Randpark 4 Siyabulela Nyikana Exploring the nexus between the hospitality sector, disability, and the perceptions of inclusivity in South Africa Blessing Chauke & Nanikie Mhlongo Randpark 4 Siyabulela Nyikana Business tourism in an African city: Evidence from Harare, Zimbabwe Logistic Makoni, Tembi Tichaawa & Christian Rogerson Randpark 4 Siyabulela Nyikana Impact of tourism on life and livelihoods of rural communities: resident perceptions of tourism in Vythiri, Kerala PJ Shyju Randpark 4 Siyabulela Nyikana Perceptions of disabled people on public transport as an enabler of inclusive domestic tourism in South Africa Tawanda Makuyana & Kaitano Dube Randpark 4 Siyabulela Nyikana 11

Determining stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the socio-cultural impacts of World Heritage Sites: a case study in Vredefort, Free State Khanyisile Ngidi & Limpho Lekaota Randpark 4 Siyabulela Nyikana Theme: Tourism resilience and recovery Time Title Authors Venue Chair Entrepreneurial motivation among COVID-19-induced redundant employees in the hospitality and tourism industry Frederick Dayour & Adam Issahaku The Garden Sanctuary Refiloe Lekgau Resilience of a sustainable tourism industry in the face of future pandemics for urban cities: A case of Harare, Zimbabwe and Windhoek, Namibia Isobel Manuel & Shereni Ngoni The Garden Sanctuary Refiloe Lekgau Collaborative actions of MICE stakeholders toward sector recovery and resilience Refiloe Lekgau & Tembi Tichaawa The Garden Sanctuary Refiloe Lekgau An analysis of the enablers and barriers to a tourism destination resilience: A case of The Erongo Region in Namibia Mary Ellen Kimaro, Simon Chiutsi, Jona Heita, Selma Lendolvo, Godfrey Tawodzera, Lawrence Kazembe & Wanjiru MuhohoMinni The Garden Sanctuary Refiloe Lekgau 12

A systematic review of domestic tourism resilience in Africa postCovid-19 Catherine Kifworo & Kaitano Dube 12:00 – 13:00 Networking Lunch Time Event Venue 13:00 – 13:45 Keynote: Judy Kepher Gona - Communities and the future of Sustainable Tourism Windsor Ball Room 14:00 – 16:00 Parallel Session 2 Theme: Sport event tourism and resilience Time Title Authors Venue Chair The path to a resilient sport event tourism sector: South African stakeholder responses to a crisis Tracy Daniels & Tembi Tichaawa Randpark 1 Tembi Tichaawa Towards an integrated framework for sustainable sport tourism development in Central Africa Siyabulela Nyikana & Tembi Tichaawa Randpark 1 Tembi Tichaawa Climate change vulnerability and exposure: Focus on cricket sporting events hosted in South Africa Godwell Nhamo & Kaitano Dube Randpark 1 Tembi Tichaawa South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadia as Contested Legacy Imperatives for Megaevent Infrastructure Development Hillary Bama & Tembi Tichaawa Randpark 1 Tembi Tichaawa Sports events and local communities: perceptions from the AFCON 2022 host cities in Cameroon Paul Acha Anyi Randpark 1 Tembi Tichaawa 13

Theme: Digitalization and technological solutions for sustainable tourism Time Title Authors Venue Chair Developing a Theoretical Model of Artificial Intelligence Adoption Matilda Mashapa & Robin Nunkoo Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo The adoption of new technological advancements to build resilience in hotels Akhona Melani & Itumeleng Henry Tiso Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo An analysis of digital public engagement by sustainable tourism businesses in Namibia Mary Ellen Kimaro & Martha Mosha Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo Digitalisation and Technological Integration for Sustainable Tourism: Exploring Perceptions in South African Enterprises Emmanuel Ndhlovu & Kaitano Dube Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo The future of sustainable tourism education in the digital transformation age beyond Covid-19 in Namibia Gerald Cloete & Joram Ndlovu Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo Theme: Food, tourism and sustainability Time Title Authors Venue Chair The Evolution and Pandemic Recovery of Africa’s First Creative City of Gastronomy Jayne Rogerson Randpark 3 Hema Kesa Food Waste Management Strategies in Township Restaurants Cynthia Mabaso Randpark 3 Hema Kesa 14

Restaurant Chefs' Perceptions of Sustainable Healthy Food Practices Daryl Hewson Randpark 3 Hema Kesa Embracing social media platforms in promoting indigenous foods: A pathway to sustainable gastronomic tourism Hema Kesa, Vongani Ntimane & Mandla Sibisi Randpark 3 Hema Kesa Food Tourism as a Strategy for local economic development in Durban beyond Covid-19. Joram Ndlovu Randpark 3 Hema Kesa Theme: Climate and environmental change impacts and resilience Time Title Authors Venue Chair A multi-index approach to quantifying climate suitability for tourism in Réunion Island Ariel Prinsloo & Jennifer Flitchett Randpark 4 Kaitano Dube Assessing the Validity of the Exclusion of Nighttime Thermal Comfort in Tourism Climate Indices Zandizoloyiso Mnguni & Jennifer Fitchett Randpark 4 Kaitano Dube Ten Years of Tourism and climate change a global view Kaitano Dube Randpark 4 Kaitano Dube 18:00 – 22:00 Welcome Dinner: Kerzner@STH, University of Johannesburg Tuesday 12 September: Day 2 Time Event Venue 08:00 – 17:00 Registration Desk Open Windsor Ballroom 09:00 – 09:45 Keynote: Prof Urmilla Bob – A strategic framework for reigniting domestic tourism and promoting sustainability imperatives in South Africa Windsor Ballroom 15

09:45 – 10:15 Tea and Networking Break 10:30 – 12:30 Parallel Session 3 Theme: Eco, adventure and nature-based tourism Time Title Authors Venue Chair Conservation based tourism in the Okavango Delta: A case study of Mokoro Polers at Boro, Maun, Northern Botswana Naomi Moswete, Kensoi Nkape & Kagiso Keitumele Randpark 1 Vyasha Harilal An Assessment of the Adoption of Domestic Nature-based Tourism as a Covid-19 Risk Response and Management Control Tibabo Moren Stone & Lesego Senyana Stone Randpark 1 Vyasha Harilal Charting a New Course: Advancing Sustainable Management through the Managerial-Ecology Model in Luxury Game Lodges Yolandi Schoeman Randpark 1 Vyasha Harilal The application of CSR on eco-lodges to uplift rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Refiloe Ntoi & Joram Ndlovu Randpark 1 Vyasha Harilal Ecotourism Destination Sustainability: A Comparative Network Analysis in South African Biospheres Alexandra Gillies Randpark 1 Vyasha Harilal 16

Investigating place attachment as a cultural ecosystem service in South African national parks Tanya Erasmus, Engela De Crom & Mathilda Brand Randpark 1 Vyasha Harilal Theme: Tourism, policies and governance Time Title Authors Venue Chair From crisis to recovery: Navigating sustainable strategies by hospitality service providers Martin Chokoe, Lihle Nkomo & Erica Sao Joao Randpark 2 Diane Abrahams The impacts of government-induced electricity load shedding, the exchange rate and other factors on the tourism sector in South Africa Daniel Francois Meyer & Natanya Meyer Randpark 2 Diane Abrahams Governing tourism towards sustainability: Public-Private Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Namibian Tourism Sector Mary Ellen Kimaro Randpark 2 Diane Abrahams Incorporating cultural heritage into the local tourism development strategy in Kwa Ndebele: a systematic review Ayanda Dladla, Joram Ndlovu & Taemane Phoofolo Randpark 2 Diane Abrahams The Role of The District Municipality in The Development and Implementation of Tourism Policies at the O.R Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa Monwabisi Silwana Randpark 2 Diane Abrahams 17

Mission-oriented policy and tourism: refining the role of state in sustainable tourism governance? Aapo Lunden Randpark 2 Diane Abrahams Theme: Sustainable tourism and hospitality education and learning Time Title Authors Venue Chair Challenges and Prospects of WorkIntegrated Learning in Hospitality Training and Education in Botswana: A case of Botho University’s Dual Learning Model Tonderai Vumbunu, Oliver Chikuta & Sethunya Mogami Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Students’ perceptions towards careers in the hospitality industry in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Nelisiwe Mlotshwa Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Transformational challenges within the tourism industry: A focus on marketing skills Konanani Thwala & Elmarie Slabbert Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Tourism higher education for sustainability transition: Perspectives from South Africa and Finland on tourism educators’ change agency Outi Kulusjärvi Randpark 3 Tracy Daniels Theme: Tourism and community development Time Title Authors Venue Chair The potentials of rural-based tourism among South African Communities around Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Nelisile Zanele Mgabhi, Nomfundo Mzimela & Zinhle Mhlongo Randpark 4 Shereni Ngoni 18

The Role of NPOs in empowering marginalised women through souvenir making in Alexandra Township Thandeka Charmaine Ngubeni, Milena Ivanovic & Maisa Adinolfi Randpark 4 Shereni Ngoni Tourist Experience Innovative Hospitality Management & Community Based Sustainability in Different Cities Alon Gelbman Randpark 4 Shereni Ngoni Community adaption increases resilience and sustainability Claire Fordred & Kevin Mearns Randpark 4 Shereni Ngoni ‘The Chuene’ Leisure Tourism and the Making of a Black Middle Class, 1984 – 2002 Laura Phillips Randpark 4 Shereni Ngoni The development and testing of a regional tourism index Daniel Meyer Randpark 4 Shereni Ngoni 12:30 – 13:30 Networking Lunch Time Event Venue 13:30 – 14:15 Keynote: Gustav Visser – Resilience in tourism by default: notes from the Winelands Windsor Ballroom 14:30 – 15:45 Parallel Session 4 Theme: Digitalisation and technological solutions for sustainable tourism Time Title Authors Venue Chair Building Resilience in Tourism: A Framework for Aligning Digital Marketing Strategies with Tourists’ Needs and Expectations Mavis Mpotaringa & Tembi Tichaawa Randpark 1 Mavis Mpotaringa 19

The Role of social media in promoting sustainable small-scale events: A study of Local festivals and celebrations Precious Mazhande & Tembi Tichaawa Randpark 1 Mavis Mpotaringa Theme: Climate and environmental change impacts and resilience Time Title Authors Venue Chair Tourism marketing under NetZero emissions: A case of Sun City hotel Peter Chihwai, Kaitano Dube & Godwell Nhamo Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo Planning for Climate Variability Impacts: Tourism and Economic Resilience in Hogsback, South Africa Chimuka Milambo Chuulu, Phillipa Margaret Irvine & Sinehlanhla Memela Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo Tourism stakeholders’ views of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies Adjnu Damar Ladkoo & Robin Nunkoo Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo Hailstorm damage and resilience building in South Africa’s key tourism destinations and attractions Catherine Kifworo, Kaitano Dube and Godwell Nhama Randpark 2 Robin Nunkoo Theme: Tourism resilience and recovery Time Title Authors Venue Chair A comparative analysis of responses of the COVID 19 tourism disruptions among small, medium and micro enterprises in coastal locations: Case studies of Cape Town and Durban, South Africa Ntwademela Perry, Amanda Gumede & Suveshnee Munien Randpark 3 Tembi Tichaawa 20

Regenerative tourism – A Finnish perspective Annika Kontinnen & Eva Holmberg Randpark 3 Tembi Tichaawa Weathering the storm: A case study of tourism resilience in small island developing states (SIDs) Afiya Holder Randpark 3 Tembi Tichaawa Time Event Venue 16:00 – 16:30 Conference Closing and Awards Ceremony Windsor Ballroom 21

Abstracts Theme: Climate and environmental change impacts and resilience Rational and moral antecedents of tourists’ intention to use reusable alternatives to single-use plastics Issahaku Adam Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Cape Coast Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Despite the potential value of understanding the antecedents of tourists’ intentions to use reusable alternatives to single-use plastics (SUPs) as a pro-environmental behaviour, previous studies have largely ignored it resulting in limited knowledge on the antecedents of tourists’ intention to adopt reusable alternatives to SUPs. Further, though the rational and moral perspectives have been championed in the literature as antecedents of proenvironmental intentions (Bamberg, Hunecke & Blobaum, 2007), there is limited understanding as to which of these two perspectives underpins tourists’ intentions to use reusable alternatives to SUPs. Therefore, this study aims to: analyse and compare the rational and moral antecedents of tourists’ intention to use reusable alternatives to SUPs and examine the variations of rational and moral antecedents of intention to use reusable alternatives to SUPs between domestic and international tourists. This study is based on data collected from 653 domestic and international tourists visiting two main coastal destinations in Ghana, namely Accra and the Cape Coast using questionnaires. Theoretically, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Norm Activation Model (NAM) are chosen to represent rational and moral theorizations respectively. The results indicate that moral antecedents better explain tourists’ intention to use reusable alternatives to SUPs than rational antecedents. However, rational antecedents offer better explanation to domestic tourists’ intention to use reusable alternatives to SUPs than moral antecedents. Their inclination towards the use of reusable alternatives to SUPs is based on their assessment of it in terms of the benefits they will derive from it. On the other hand, moral reasoning better explains the intention of international tourists to use reusable alternatives. International tourists’ intention to use reusable alternatives to SUPs can be viewed as a pro-social behaviour. Climate change disclosures by hotels in the Global South Ngoni C. Shereni Postdoctoral Research Fellow School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Christian. M. Rogerson Research Professor School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, Email: [email protected] 22

ABSTRACT Discussions on climate change in the various sectors of the tourism industry have grown louder in the last decade. This is because the tourism industry contributes significantly to the emissions of greenhouse gases and ultimately global warming. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of tourism to external shocks and the need to build a resilient tourism industry. As tourism demand starts to increase in the post-COVID-19 era, carbon emissions by the hospitality sector are also set to continue increasing. This calls for the need to focus on climate change mitigation strategies in the hospitality sector as climate change is regarded as an imminent crisis. There is a dearth of literature on climate change disclosures in hotels in general. This study, therefore, examines current research on climate action strategies disclosed by Global South hotels on websites, annual reports, social media pages and other relevant materials. The results of the study provide preliminary presentation on the state of climate change reporting by hotels and contribute to the growing sustainability reporting discourses in the tourism industry of the Global South which is seen as largely voluntary and in its infancy. Keywords: Climate change, Greenhouse Gas emissions, Hospitality sector, Climate change reporting, Zimbabwe Examination of priority environmental SDGs for International Hotels Operating in South Africa Post Day Zero and COVID-19 Sisamkele Mdoda Master of Management in Travel and Tourism Services Management Student Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] Kaitano Dube Snr. Lecturer Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The prolonged drought in Cape Town popularly known as Day Zero shook the Cape Town community to the core and forced a rethink of how society and business deals with water and other environmental resources. Post the drought the tourism industry faced a ferocious pandemic in the fold of COVID-19 which pushed the demand for sustainability across various businesses. This study is borne out of the need to ascertain the most paid attention to Environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the progress being made by hotels in responding to the same. Making use of secondary data, mainly sustainability and integrated annual reports for Sun International, City Lodge Hotel Group, and Tsogo Sun for 2021 and 22, the study found that as part of the hotel group’s Environmental and Sustainability and Governance (ESG), there is a lot of focus on SDG13 on climate change, SDG6 on water and sanitation, SDG7 on clean energy and SDG12 on sustainable consumption. The study found that all the surveyed hotels had established benchmarks that measured the relevant elements of particular SDGs such as water consumption, electricity usage, and emissions produced under Scope 1 to 3. The main hotels are also measuring the amount of recycling that has taken place in terms of waste and wastewater. This is an advance from the previous qualitative descriptions. Concrete steps are being taken by hotels to reduce their environmental footprint. The study found that there is an uptake of water and energy usage, which has grown between 2021 and 2022 a factor that can be attributed to tourism recovery post-COVID-19. There has also been a growth in emissions from fuel burnt by generators as the energy crisis in the country intensifies. The study recommends tight monitoring of emissions so as to ameliorate the adverse impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable tourism future. Keywords: research, tourism management, human flourishing, energy transitions, emissions, climate change, hospitality, water saving 23

The great O.R. Tambo International Airport flood: Dealing with the harsh realities of climate-induced extreme weather events Tawanda Makuyana1 Research Fellow Department of Tourism and Integrated Communications, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021 Vanderbijlpark 1911, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Godwell Nhamo2 Professor Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Pretoria, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Kaitano Dube1 Associate Professor Department of Tourism and Integrated Communications, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021 Vanderbijlpark 1911, South Africa. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Climate-related extreme flooding at airports is commonly associated with sea level rise. However, more and more airport floods are now taking place on these tourism assets even inland. Major flood events have been recorded at other international airports globally. At Gatwick International Airport (UK), there have been severe floods in 1968, 2000, and 2013, with the 2013 floods resulting in the closure of a terminal for three days. Floods in August 2018 resulted in Cochin International Airport (India) suspending all flights for three days. The airport had the whole airside flooded for more than four days, with facilities like runway lighting, Nav-Aid facilities, and baggage conveyors flooded and damaged. Such are the severe impacts from airports associated flooding. On the 9th of November 2016, the Oliver Reginald (OR) Tambo International Airport experienced one of its worst floods and the impact of this event thereof deserves comprehensive documentation. Several methods were used to generate data including tracing long-term rainfall and temperature patterns, secondary data, GIS and remote sensing (to determine and identify areas and artifacts of permanent damage), interviews, focus group discussions, and other field observations. It emerged that the severe storms flooded access roads to OR Tambo International Airport. In addition, both in and outbound flights were affected by diversions to inbound traffic. An estimated 26 aircraft diversions were reported between 17:10 and 18:30 alone, with such aircraft landing at the King Shaka International in Durban, Lanseria in Johannesburg, Wonderboom in Pretoria, and Gaborone International Airport in Botswana. Several vehicles got stuck on the access roads, with many others swept by the strong current in other parts of the main roads in the vicinity. Other operations that were affected by the floods included fuelling and maintenance. With such extreme weather events likely to recur in the future, this paper seeks to document the extent of the impact of this great OR Tambo International flood in terms of both the air and on-the-ground traffic, management interventions, and other remedial measures to deal with such weather extremes. Keywords: Climate-related extreme floods, OR Tambo International Airport, Airport, weather-extreme events. 24

Examining the differences between automated and manually acquiring TripAdvisor data to determine the climate sensitivity of South African visitors Dineo Mokgehle PhD Student School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg [email protected] Jennifer Fitchett Professor School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg [email protected] ABSTRACT The impact of climate on the tourism sector is crucial as it determines the viability and competitive edge of destinations around the world. Tourists choose their destinations, activities and vacation durations based on the climate. Therefore, it’s essential to measure the tourism industry’s reliance on climate, assess the region’s vulnerabilities to climate change, and determine the adaptive capacity to mitigate these impacts. Accurate information on the suitability of regions for tourism is necessary to ensure effective adaptation and mitigation actions. Netnographic research, analysing TripAdvisor reviews, has proven useful in objectively measuring tourists’ sensitivity to climate and identifying the most relevant meteorological variables in South Africa. However, manual reading and coding of thousands of reviews can be cumbersome. Web scraping can automate this process, enabling the analysis of hundreds of thousands of reviews across the country and over time to create a more comprehensive database. However, the use of ‘climatic’ terms in the English language can introduce inaccuracies – a “cold stare” or “warm welcome” are inaccurately coded as measures of the temperature, whereas terms such as “frigid” or “sweltering” are overlooked until manually coded in. As a result, the comparison between manually coded and webscraped TripAdvisor reviews for South African destinations ranging from the coast to the sea yield statistically significant differences. This paper explores the differences between automating and manually collecting data and the accuracy check process involved in comparing the results. Keywords: TripAdvisor, tourist, big data, web scraping, climate Theme: Eco, adventure and nature-based tourism Charting a New Course: Advancing Sustainable Management through the Managerial-Ecology Model in Luxury Game Lodges Y Schoeman Tourism Research in Economics Environs and Society Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences North-West University South Africa 25

P Van der Merwe Tourism Research in Economics Environs and Society Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences North-West University South Africa K Van der Walt Tourism Research in Economics Environs and Society Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences North-West University South Africa M Huyser Tourism Research in Economics Environs and Society Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences North-West University South Africa ABSTRACT The concept of sustainability in ecotourism is complex and controversial. It requires adopting ecotourism approaches that emphasize low-impact behaviours, coupled human-natural systems and bio-intelligent systems thinking, biodiversity conservation, community involvement, and business sustainability. Additionally, evaluating protected areas within complex adaptive ecotourism systems is essential to consider the relationships between protected areas, local communities, and tourism. The integration of social-ecological systems concepts into biodiversity conservation and ecotourism management is essential for sustainable development. Sustainable strategies can be developed and implemented by considering the interconnectedness of social and ecological components and incorporating stakeholder perspectives. This study examines the dynamic interplay between human and natural systems and proposes a novel management approach for luxury game lodges. The data collection process involved sampling, interviews, observations, and the utilization of existing data from luxury game lodges. Qualitative analysis methods were employed, and the telecoupling toolbox facilitated the mapping and modelling of components of coupled natural and human systems. Descriptive tools were utilized to assess the environmental and socio-economic effects of the proposed approach. The proposed managerial-ecological model integrates coupled natural and human systems as a sustainability management approach for luxury game lodges in protected areas. It is designed to suit the unique context and dynamics of luxury game lodge destinations, promoting sustainable practices and fostering functional relationships between humans and nature. The findings of this research contribute to the advancement of management strategies and the promotion of sustainability in luxury game lodges, supporting ecotourism practices that prioritize environmental conservation, destination sustainability, and community well-being. Leveraging social capital to regenerate the ecotourism sector in Cameroon Vyasha Harilal Senior lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality University of Johannesburg South Africa Email: [email protected] 26

Tembi Tichaawa Professor School of Tourism and Hospitality University of Johannesburg South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Ecotourism in Cameroon has immense potential to contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth and development. This potential is recognized by the government, who anointed the sector as a strategic one to trigger socio-economic growth in the country. However, the still burgeoning sector has been plagued by crises – initially by a lack of guiding policy for the overall development of the sector, and subsequently by the geopolitical conflict that has overwhelmed the country over the past few years. To compound the matter, the Covid-19 induced crisis in the tourism sector also served to stymy the development and growth of ecotourism that did occur. It is against this background that the current paper has been conceptualized. Ecotourism is premised upon the notion of community participation and involvement. The limited amount of ecotourism development that has occurred in various regions of the country often did not result in tangible benefits for communities at the local level, thus reducing the willingness of locals to support and engage in ecotourism development. Looking towards the regeneration of the sector post- crises, as well as to overcome the local nuances of geopolitical conflicts, ways in which community support for ecotourism development can be encouraged needs to be investigated. Thus, the current paper aimed to examine leveraging social capital to regenerate the ecotourism sector in Cameroon. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, with local community chiefs and representatives of various communities where ecotourism occurs being interviewed. Local community chiefs are recognized as traditional authorities within the Cameroonian context, and thus constitute an integral stakeholder in the ecotourism-community-social capital nexus. Social capital draws on the socio-cultural bonds at community level. Hence, broad findings of the study indicate that notions of social capital can be leveraged in the traditional hierarchy of communities to influence support for regeneration of the sector. This can also address problems affecting the successful (re)development of the sector, stemming from the anglophonefrancophone geopolitical context of the country, where levels of trust (as an associated notion of social capital) in national authorities may be influenced by traditional authorities, such as community chiefs. Thus, local community support, participation and collaboration could be facilitated by bonds of social capital. The novelty and theoretical contribution of this paper lies in its unique conceptualization of regeneration of ecotourism in Cameroon, viewing this through the lens of social capital and crisis, as well as the nuanced geopolitical situation which contextualizes the landscape. Key words: Ecotourism, Cameroon, social capital Neglected historical geographies of coastal tourism: Mossel Bay, South Africa c.1850-1991 Christian. M. Rogerson Research Professor School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Geographical scholars call for critical engagement with the blue economy and incorporating key concepts such as place, space and locality. Arguably, however, within the extant geographical literature there is an overwhelming ‘present-mindedness’ and limited historical perspectives. This paper modestly addresses this neglected knowledge gap by using an historical approach and archival sources to undertake a locality-based study of the historical transitions which have shaped and reshaped one coastal settlement in South Africa. The Mossel Bay area is of considerable historical significance because of its long history of indigenous settlement before the first European 27

contacts triggered by the arrival in 1488 of Bartholomew Diaz and crew who were in search for a trading sea route for Portugal to India. The coastal town’s ‘modern’ history dates from the mid-19th century with a local economy anchored initially on farming, fishing and activities around the port. As a result of the area’s natural beauty this coastal town experienced during the early 20th century a socio-economic transition with health and leisure tourism diversifying the local economy. The nature of this colonial growth of tourism in Mossel Bay and the distinctive tourism economy of the town under apartheid is interrogated. This culminated in the scripting of the controversial 1988 Dias festival hosted to celebrate the opening of ‘apartheid’s last museum’, an event which occurred before Mossel Bay would experience a radical social transition following South Africa’s democratic elections. Overall, the evolutionary pathways and transitions in the historical geography of this coastal locality are the focus of discussion. The impact of unsustainable environmental practices on tourism and local economic development: The case of the Hartbeespoort Dam region Chané de Bruyn Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) Centre for Local Economic Development, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Daniel F. Meyer Professor School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Globally, sustainable development is receiving ever-increasing attention as environmental degradation, and unequal regional economic development continues to increase. Despite the apparent importance of providing quality water to promote sustainable development, the eutrophication of water resources remains a threat to the sustainable development of regions worldwide. With this being said, research exploring the impact of water quality on local economic development (LED) and tourism is scarce, especially in the case of developing countries. Considering the growing problem, the study aims to examine the empirical relationship between water quality and the sustainable development of local regions. The study focus area is the Hartbeespoort Dam region, a popular tourism destination located in the North West Province of South Africa. Using time-series analysis, monthly data from 1994 – 2018 were utilised to determine the impact of water quality on economic development and, specifically, the tourism sector. These results could contribute to the lack of empirical data on the importance of water quality in local economies in the quest to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Keywords: local economic development, sustainable development, tourism, Hartbeespoort Dam. Challenges and Opportunities for Transformation in South African Nature-based Tourism Julia Giddy Senior Lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] 28

ABSTRACT Nature-based tourism has been at the heart of South African tourism for at least two centuries due to the unique landscapes and wildlife the country has to offer. However, nature-based tourism in South Africa has a long and tumultuous history, due to the oppressive colonial and apartheid regimes. Much of the apartheid nationalist rhetoric and propaganda evoked nature-based tourism imaginaries solidifying nature-spaces, particularly national parks, as white (primarily Afrikaans) recreational spaces. Until recently, this sentiment largely remained, despite the fall of apartheid and the rise of the post-apartheid (primarily Black) government in 1994. While a number of factors are at play in this scenario, the lack of engagement of Black South Africans in nature-spaces remains problematic and a clear legacy of apartheid. In fact, even scholars have previously insinuated that Black South Africans are not interested in nature-based tourism experiences. However, this perception is both overly simplistic and, in many cases, blatantly wrong. This mindset towards Black South Africans is particularly problematic as the future of both South African domestic tourism and South African conservation is dependent on stewardship from Black South Africans – particularly young Black South Africans. They are the custodians of these nature spaces and the future of both conservation and the lucrative tourism sector in South Africa. Thus, this study seeks to highlight that this issue stems from both perceptions of nature-spaces as white recreational areas - and thus segregated - but also the lack of effort amongst those now in charge to increase demand for and access to nature-based tourism among this critical demographic group. The research draws on data from the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park, two significant sites for domestic tourism. The former has made a concerted effort to facilitate the growth of specific Black leisure tourists, particularly in the post-pandemic period. The Kruger National Park, once an enclave for primarily white and international tourists is trying to develop tourism products for the growing Black leisure market. The results show interesting findings demonstrating different motivations and travel patterns among this critical and growing tourism target market. Keywords: transformation, domestic tourism, nature-based tourism, Black tourism, South Africa The Push and Pull Factors Influencing Tourists to Visit Protected Areas: A Case of HluhluweiMfolozi Park Nomfundo Sinethemba Mzimela Masters’ Student Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] 0009-0003-2478-636X Nelisile Zanele Mgabhi Assistant Lecturer Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] 0000-0002-6958-2585 Zinhle Mhlongo Masters’ Student Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] ORCiD number: 0000-0002-6261-1582 ABSTRACT This paper conducted within South African context explored the key push and pull factors that influence tourists to visit protected areas, using Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park as a case KwaZulu-Natal Province. This study solely focused on tourist motivation (push-pull factors), relationship between push and pull motivation factors and the 29

marketing concept of identifying and satisfying tourist’ needs, with a special emphasis on nature-based tourism. 435 respondents were randomly selected in different key tourists cites within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Data analysis was conducted in two phases. The first phase was achieved using IBM’s SPSS version 28 software, while the second stage tested the measurement (which is construct validity and reliability) and structural model using composite-based structural equation modelling involving a multivariate analytical technique implemented on WarpPLS software version 7.0. Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory and Dann’s theory of push and pull motivations, results suggest that the key tourists push factors identified in this study are relaxation and family togetherness while the key tourist pull factors identified are: natural resources, destination resources, learning experience and history, and culture. Furthermore, the study identified a causal relationship between visitation satisfaction, push sub-factors (relaxation, social interaction, family togetherness, and prestige motivations), and pull sub-factors (resources, learning experience, recreational facilities, natural resources, history, and culture). Managerial implications were provided to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and Tourism Industry Practitioners Hong to design nature-based tourism promotion campaigns more strategically. There is a need for park managers to maximise on promoting activities that addresses the identified key push and pull travel motivation factors as these were rated highly by tourists. The identified key push-pull factors as products must be sustained in such a manner that protected areas continue to offer these opportunities, and this should be communicated clearly to the market through various media platforms. Keywords: Protected areas, Nature based tourism, Push factors, Pull factors, Visitor satisfaction Theme: Sustainable tourism and hospitality education and learning Tourism higher education for sustainability transition: Perspectives from South Africa and Finland on tourism educators’ change agency Outi Kulusjärvi University teacher Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland Email: [email protected] Eva Holmberg Senior lecturer Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland Email: [email protected] Annika Konttinen Senior lecturer Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland Email: [email protected] Antonia Thandi Nzama Professor Department of Tourism and Recreation, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] Kaarina Tervo-Kankare Environmental specialist City of Oulu, Finland Email: [email protected] 30

ABSTRACT Tourism researchers have called for a transformation of tourism higher education to better respond to the ongoing societal and environmental changes. Since the Covid-19 pandemic tourism students need new kinds of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to operate in the tourism economy. We look at this landscape of educational changes from the perspectives of tourism teachers. The aim of the study is to understand what processes related to the everyday work of tourism teachers enable or hinder building collective change agency for education transition in tourism HEIs. The study draws on economic geography conceptualizations on knowledge communities and networks of practice (Brown & Duguid, 1991; Pinch, 2009) as well as educational perspectives to new pedagogies (Nikadimovs et al., 2017; Cabral & Dhar, 2020). The data was collected via group interviews with 23 tourism teachers in universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland and in South Africa in 2023. The countries selected provide us with a wide array of perspectives on the ongoing changes in the tourism sector and tourism higher education. The initial analysis of the data shows many similarities but also some major differences between South Africa and Finland. Although in South Africa teachers can add their own views and values into teaching, it is challenging to change curricula and the established approach to learning just through lecturing and traditional exams. In Finland teachers have more freedom to decide about both content, teaching strategies and assessment. In addition, the issues that are seen as priorities in sustainability transition differs between Finland and South Africa. Based on the study results, we discussed how to strengthen collective sustainability agency of tourism teachers both in individual institutions and between them in transnational partnership. Keywords: Sustainability education, tourism education, sustainability transition, Covid-19, value-based tourism education The impact of the Pandemic on University Students studying Hospitality Management in South Africa Anisah Deen Lecturer School of Tourism & Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Dawn Khuluse Lecturer Department of Hospitality and Tourism ,Durban University of Technology , South Africa Email: [email protected] Erica Sao Joao Lecturer School of Tourism & Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Anesu Gelfand Kuhudzai Statistician services STATKON, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The disruptive effects of Covid-19 has had a negative impact on our society globally, more especially our future leaders - university students studying in higher education. To understand the underlying impact of the pandemic especially on Hospitality Management students whose programme has theory and practical components, an 31

online survey was conducted in two Universities. The purpose of this study was to isolate the students’ prevalent adversities that were associated with online learning. Using the quantitative approach, a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to students that attended a higher education institute (HEI) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Although this study was limited to students who studied the Hospitality Management programme, this study provides valuable insights by specifically highlighting the direct factors associated with student challenges in their new learning environment. The data was analysed using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the dimension reduction technique. Findings revealed that the pandemic had a significant impact on the way students studied their hospitality education and the emergence of the three new factors pertaining to online learning: student difficulties, student fears and learning alone. Both factors student fears and learning alone had an influence on student difficulties in the online learning environment. These results signify that the students who preferred the traditional face-to-face environment of the classroom found it scary to embark in the online route and learning by themselves compounded their studying difficulties and challenges. However, the factor of learning alone also proved that some students demonstrated resilience during the pandemic and once, they became accustomed, preferred the online learning route. These new factors provide a valuable contribution to online learning literature especially that universities now transitioning back to face-to-face or hybrid classrooms whilst students are still accustomed to learning remotely. Keywords: Online learning, Covid-19, student difficulties, learning alone, student fears, Hospitality, pandemic, university students Guest satisfaction at commercial hospitality training facilities: The key to sustainable hospitality education Gerald Hamadziripi Operations Manager School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Tracy Daniels Academic Head: Hospitality School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The South African hospitality industry has been one of the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the industry is now in the recovery process, during which efforts must be made to ensure its resilience in the face of future crises and future sustainability. Commercial hospitality training facilities are living laboratories in which hospitality students are exposed to experiential learning, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In the postpandemic recovery of the hospitality industry, these facilities play a vital role in producing hospitality employees and entrepreneurs who will ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the industry and provide relevant hospitality education. For their success, it is essential to ensure that guests patronizing these facilities experience high levels of satisfaction to ensure repeat visitation and continuous business. The current study sought to determine guest satisfaction levels at commercial hospitality training facilities in South Africa. Using a quantitative approach 300 surveys were completed by guests patronizing various commercial hospitality training outlets. The results indicate that guests dining at these facilities experienced low satisfaction levels, particularly in service delivery and quality. These findings highlight the need for strategies to improve service levels at training facilities and marketing initiatives that encourage repeat visitation and financial sustainability. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable hospitality education by providing valuable insights into guest experiences and satisfaction levels at training facilities. These insights are essential in ensuring the sustainability of these facilities, and the graduation of hospitality professionals who are beneficial to the industry’s future success, especially in the post-pandemic context. Keywords: Training, sustainability, guest service 32

Generational differences in Ghanaian students’ sustainability behaviours Aaron Yankholmes Associate Professor of Marketing Nottingham Business School of Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT There is a relative dearth of empirical studies on generational differences in sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns in Africa. The goal of the study reported here is, therefore, to examine the generational differences in the sustainability behaviours among a sample of Ghanaian university students (n = 530). Data were collected from an online survey using Qualtrics from March 2021 to April 2022. Millennials (those born from 1981–1996) were more likely to engaged in larger sustainability investment or behaviours (e.g., invest in energy-efficient appliances and book sustainable holidays if available) than Generation Z (1997–2012) who engage in low commitment sustainable behaviours (e.g., reducing waste and recycling). These results mirror the extant literature from economically developed (Western and Eastern) countries but presents a more nuanced picture of the contextual values that shape people’s willingness and ability to adopt sustainability behaviours in Africa. The implications for developing sustainability marketing campaigns geared towards meaningful and sustainable consumption behaviour patterns are discussed. Keywords: Sustainable travel behaviour, generations, birth cohort, Africa, Ghana, sustainability marketing, meaningful consumption behaviour Tourism-Related Entrepreneurial Education: A Remedy for Youths Unemployment in South Africa Zinhle Mhlongo Masters’ Student Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] ORCiD number: 0000-0002-6261-1582 Sibusiso David Ntshangase Lecturer Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] ORCiD number: 0000-0002-3181-9495 Nelisile Zanele Mgabhi Assistant Lecturer Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] ORCiD number: 0000-0002-6958-2585 Nomfundo Sinethemba Mzimela Masters’ Student Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand, South Africa Email: [email protected] ORCiD number: 0009-0003-2478-636X 33

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurship is important for economic development in both developing and well-developed countries. There is a strong view that entrepreneurship education plays a crucial role in terms of enhancing entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and values for transforming societies. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 400 purposively selected youths in two local municipalities. Data analyses were conducted in two phases. The first phase dealt with assessment of the measurement model, while the second phase tested the structural model using partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method involving a multivariate analytical technique implemented on SmartPLS software version 4.0.8.5. Entrepreneurship education can serve as a catalyst of change in creating job opportunities. Tourism contributes significantly to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but youth unemployment is extremely high. There is a clear demand for tourism businesses managed by skilled individuals. Hence, the focus of this paper is on entrepreneurial education as a panacea for youth unemployment in South Africa using the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal as a case. This paper, in the context of universities, advocates that entrepreneurship education curricula must be designed to suit characteristics close to entrepreneurial intentions, as students need more exposure to gain skills and knowledge through hands-on and know-how learning. The recommendations will be made directed to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and to the district municipality, tourism offices and business incubators to assist in supporting youths who intend to start tourism-related businesses. Keywords: Entrepreneurship education, Tourism entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial intention, Entrepreneurial desirability, Youth unemployment Rethinking study-abroad programmes: Prospects for universities in South Africa Elhaam Abrahams Researcher Department of Tourism and Events Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] Hilary Bama Senior Lecturer Department of Tourism and Events Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This study was premised on the acknowledgment of the importance of study-abroad programmes as a viable option for educational tourism (edutourism) and tourism more broadly. With empirical evidence pointing to the growing demand for edutourism experiences globally, the dearth in extant enquiry into this phenomenon in the Global South, South Africa, and the Western Cape province in particular, especially given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the higher education sector prompted engagement into this enquiry. This study considers how, given the benefits of study-abroad programmes, universities in the Western Cape province could leverage study-abroad opportunities to reposition this subsector of the edutourism industry in South Africa. To achieve the study’s objectives, the study applied a combination of quantitative and qualitative (mixed method) approaches for data collection techniques. Data were collected by targeting students participating in a study-abroad programme at selected universities in the Western Cape and key resource persons through the international offices at these universities. Based on data collected via 130 electronically administered questionnaires and three key informant interviews from key resource persons at the international offices at these selected universities, key indications highlighted a European dominance in the demographic distribution of participants while illustrating a steady interest in the study-abroad programme niche irrespective of the challenges induced by the pandemic. Furthermore, 34

the cultural experiences of the students’, the viability of the programmes, and the general allure of the Western Cape were highlighted as factors of the focus of marketing efforts to attract prospective students. The outcome of the study underscores the importance of combining known student motives and marketing platforms used by the students themselves as the perfect combination to attract prospective study-abroad students to the Western Cape. As a neglected and under researched area, the findings of this study contribute to the extant literature and provides pathways for future research endeavours. Keywords: Educational tourism, study abroad programmes, motives, profile, Western Cape universities, COVID-19 Theme: Tourism and community development Tourist Experience Innovative Hospitality Management & Community Based Sustainability in Different Cities Alon Gelbman Department of Tourism and Hotel Management Kinneret Academic College Israel Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This research links urban hospitality, the tourist experience, and the management of innovation and creativity in tourism. Growing specialization and competition create new challenges for urban tourism. Simultaneously, tourism and the tourist experience are becoming central elements in the establishment of a socially significant sustainable tourism product based on the local community. The focus of this study is an urban hospitality organization whose vision and set of values are the basis for a management strategy striving to create and offer a unique tourism experience. Innovation in tourism and hospitality management has become a complex task due to the competition at tourism destinations in general and especially in urban tourism destinations. Hospitality organizations aspire to meet growing tourist expectations for a specialized experience by emphasizing the characteristics of the local culture and urban community. The aim of this paper is to examine how the management of an urban hospitality organization implements community-based and social values in each of its hostels, and how they adapt the tourist experience to the culture and atmosphere in each city (Nazareth, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv). The study approach includes qualitative research methods and three forms of data collection: participant observation, document review, and in-depth interviews. The findings present a unique new model of creative innovation in urban hospitality management and its connection to implementing a social, community-based tourist experience. The importance of the paper is in proposing a model that may benefit other hospitality organizations. Impact of tourism on life and livelihoods of rural communities: resident perceptions of tourism in Vythiri, Kerala Shyju P J Associate Professor Dept of History of Art Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, India Email: [email protected], [email protected] 35

Jithendran Kokkranikkal Principal Lecturer School of Management and Marketing University of Greenwich, U K Email: [email protected] Shelji Mathew Head of the Department Dept of Tourism Pazhassi Raja College Pulpally, Wayanad Kerala, India Email: [email protected] Joshu Ajoon Frmr. Research Assistant Dept of History of Art Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, India Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Tourist destinations worldwide recorded high tourist inflow during post Covid-19 pandemic, which was initially treated as ‘revenge travel’ by some researchers. Many researchers related tourism recovery post-pandemic with resilience. High tourism demand experienced at tourist destinations signals a need for caution about the threat of ‘over-tourism’ with its negative impacts. Destinations in developing countries such as India, seek to attract more visitors for economic reasons often disregarding the potential impacts of tourism on destination communities. The rural communities are more vulnerable to the social, economic and cultural impacts of tourism. Even though there have been many studies that explored the impact of tourism on rural communities, there have not been many on tourism in the rural societies in Kerala, India. Therefore, the present study investigates challenges faced by rural communities in Vythiri, which is a popular tourist destination in Kerala. The study seeks to investigate residents’ aspirations and experience of tourism in Vythiri to understand their perception of its impacts on their lives, livelihood and society. The study would employ a social exchange theory lens to assess the attitudes of the Vythiri residents towards tourism development. The study was conducted using qualitative research techniques. Semi-structured interviews (N=40) were conducted with the residents of Vythiri using purposive sampling. The corpus of data gathered from interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The results present critical gaps in tourism development strategies in meeting the local people’s aspirations and addressing negative impacts created by tourism development. While tourism has brought significant economic benefits to Vythiri, drastic changes have happened to the local environment. The research findings indicate varying levels of resident dissatisfaction, which need to be addressed by tourism planners and investors, raising major questions about the scale and extent of tourism in rural communities. The study makes an important contribution to the literature on resident attitudes and experiences of tourism in indigenous communities. Keywords: Tourism development , resident perceptions of tourism, tourism impacts, scale of tourism Depictions of travel in a Portuguese diaspora community newspaper in South Africa Maisa C. Adinolfi University of Johannesburg South Africa Email: [email protected] 36

ABSTRACT The vast territorial expansion of Portugal during the colonial era resulted in a significant global diaspora network, with one such community situated in South Africa. Over time, multiple waves of immigration from Portugal, its autonomous regions, and former African colonies have given rise to an established diasporic community that has undergone evolution. Acting as a vital communication channel, the O Século de Joanesburgo newspaper played a crucial role in keeping the South African Portuguese diaspora informed about the broader Portuguese community both locally and abroad, thereby fostering connections between the community and their homeland. Throughout the years, the newspaper extensively featured travel-related content, employing various strategies to encourage travel to the homeland. This paper aims to present an overview of how travel was depicted and promoted to the South African Portuguese diaspora through the newspaper. By examining archival materials from the newspaper, significant themes related to travel within the community emerge, encompassing journeys to the homeland, visits from family members, emigration waves, encouragement for seaside property investments in Portugal, and indications of domestic tourism within South Africa. This study contributes to the broader discourse on the development of diasporic communities and emphasizes the integral role of travel in their existence. Keywords: Diasporas, homeland travel, community newspapers, Portuguese South Africa Determining stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the socio-cultural impacts of World Heritage Sites: A case study in Vredefort, Free State Khanyisile Ngidi Lecturer & WIL coordinator School of Tourism and Integrated Communication, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] Orchid ID: 0000-0003-1458-3596 Limpho Lekaota Associate Professor School of Tourism and Integrated Communication, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Several World Heritage Sites (WHSs) play a significant role in conserving biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of stakeholders. The successful management of Vredefort Dome WHS’s socio-cultural impacts must consider stakeholders’ perceptions to build a mutual relationship grounded on stakeholder involvement. The main aim of this research is to determine stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the socio-cultural impacts of tourism based on the Vredefort Dome WHS. This study consisted of a sample size of 490 stakeholders. The study followed the quantitative approach and used a descriptive research design, coupled with the non-probability purposive sampling technique collecting data from government officials and tourism business owners. Data collected from tourists and the local communities used convenience sampling techniques. Based on the results the local community neither experienced benefits nor forfeited any benefit from tourism and therefore their livelihoods were not positively nor negatively impacted by any tourism activities. The findings also illustrated that the high level of unemployment in general, generated high levels of negative impacts and not the presence of tourism in the region. The relationship between the socio-cultural impacts and stakeholder perception is neutral due to the neutral response from respondents. Conclusions drawn from the study suggest that government officials concentrated mostly on existing tourism businesses compared to the local community. Contrary to the outcome, results of the government officials, business owners, and tourists, the local community seemed neutral towards aspects that influence the impacts of tourism. It is recommended that the local municipality implement extensive educational awareness on socio-cultural impacts and support structures to improve the level of involvement and participation of all stakeholders. Keywords: Stakeholders, perceptions, tourism, socio-cultural impacts, World Heritage Site 37

Exploring the nexus between the hospitality sector, disability, and the perceptions of inclusivity in South Africa Blessing Chauke Part time lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Nanikie Zungu Lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This study explores the often-neglected area of inclusivity concerning the hospitality sector in South Africa. In this regard, the study sought to unpack the nexus between hospitality, disability, and inclusivity within Sandton’s fourand five-star hotels. An interpretive qualitative research approach was employed to address the study’s aim. Indepth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposefully selected (n=30) hotel management personnel (27) and disability activists (3) in Sandton. The interviews focused on the thematic areas of compliance with national legislation, existing hotel policies for employees with disabilities, and issues of representation linked to hotel employment. Key findings revealed that these hotels do not have policies enacted for the inclusion of persons with disabilities on their premises. Furthermore, the study found that participants have negative perceptions towards the employment of persons with disabilities, which leads to a disconnect between hospitality and the concept of inclusion. One of the critical issues identified in the study results is that hotel employees use derogatory terms, which could be the reason for the lack of inclusion in these organisations. The study advocates for a collaborative effort to raise awareness for inclusion and calls for eradicating negative learned behaviours and derogatory attitudes toward persons with disabilities. Additionally, the study calls for the enforcement of existing national policies to encourage inclusion and for organisations to be deliberate in their policies toward inclusion in the hospitality sector. The study makes vital contributions to sustainable development goal ten which speaks to reduced inequalities in society. The study makes a modest contribution to the literature, which links to the hospitality industry, inclusion, and disability. Additionally, it contributes to policy development in the South African context and provides sustainable management practices in the hospitality sector. Keywords: Hospitality, Inclusion, disability, South Africa, Inclusive policies Business tourism in an African city: Evidence from Harare, Zimbabwe Logistic Makoni School of Tourism & Hospitality College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Johannesburg, South Africa. Email: [email protected] ORCID 0000-0003-4279-821X ABSTRACT Research on business tourism is attracting greater interest from tourism scholars in the Global North. Scholarship on business tourism in the Global South, however, remains underdeveloped despite its significance for many leading urban tourism destinations. Arguably, the need for the growth of research on business tourism is particularly acute in major cities of sub-Saharan Africa where the sector is frequently of more significance than leisure tourism. This article contributes to addressing the knowledge gap on business tourism in urban Africa with its focus on MICE 38

tourism in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city. Use is made of a set of qualitative interviews which were conducted with stakeholder representatives for all hotels in Harare that have facilities to accommodate business events. Under scrutiny are the competitiveness of the city’s business tourism economy, the nature of business events in the city, and local pro-poor impacts. Keywords: Business tourism, African City, Harare, Zimbabwe. Perceptions of disabled people on public transport as an enabler of inclusive domestic tourism in South Africa Tawanda Makuyana Research Fellow Department of Tourism and Integrated Communications, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021 Vanderbijlpark 1911, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Kaitano Dube Associate Professor Department of Tourism and Integrated Communications, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021 Vanderbijlpark 1911, South Africa. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Despite efforts towards universal accessible infrastructure in South Africa, access and accessibility of public transport by individuals who acquired impairments still needs attention. This has created an environment that negatively impacts their agency, ability to move (access), and empowerment to actively participate in domestic inclusive/accessible tourism and leisure (visiting friends and relatives included). The aim was to investigate the perception of disabled people on the public transportation system as an enabler for their participation in domestic inclusive/accessible tourism and leisure. A grounded theory principle guided the methodology to develop a theoretical framework inclusive/ accessible tourism and leisure directly from the collected data. Capability theory informed the study, especially on agency, ability to move (access), and empowerment using public transport to enable disabled people to participate in domestic inclusive/accessible tourism and leisure actively. Gauteng province of South Africa is the study area because it is the only province implementing the most universal-accessible public transport projects for disabled people. In-depth interviews and group interviews gathered the views (voice) of persons with visible impairments like Deaf, hearing, physical, mobility, and visual impairments. The study excluded people with invisible impairments. The data was analysed using Creswell’s qualitative analysis framework. The findings revealed that public transport is still inaccessible, unaffordable, unsafe, and inconvenient to most disabled people. Pressure groups in the disability space advocate for improvements in access, empowerment, and agency of disabled people. Such would enhance their effective participation in tourism and leisure. Respondents suggested ideas and mechanisms to improve disability-inclusive public transport systems comprised of taxi/minibus, metered taxis (online-based platforms included), Bus Rapid Transport, and rail-Gautrain. Conclusion: It is evident that disabled people perceive the public transportation system as an enabler for their participation in domestic inclusive/accessible tourism and leisure. However, there are obstructs that the stakeholders like transport operators, designers, developers, and auditors in the public transport sector should consider for disabled people to be empowered and have agency and access (ability to move) to tourism and leisure in South Africa. Therefore, the paper postulates a theoretical framework for inclusive/accessible public transport to enable the effective participation of disabled people in inclusive/accessible domestic tourism and leisure. The study was limited to the opinions of disabled people with visible impairments only. Hence future research can consider hidden impairments and other stakeholders in the transport sector in South Africa. Keywords: disability, inclusive-public-transport, impairments, South Africa, inclusive/accessible domestic tourism. 39

Theme: Tourism resilience and recovery Entrepreneurial motivation among COVID-19-induced redundant employees in the hospitality and tourism industry Frederick Dayour Associate Professor Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana [email protected] Issahaku Adam Professor Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana [email protected] ABSTRACT Hospitality and tourism are susceptible to shocks and uncertainties including natural disasters, political instabilities, terrorism, epidemics and pandemics – often amplifying safety and security concerns among potential travellers and threatening the sustainability of businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular has occasioned redundancies as a result of a wide range of business shutdowns and downsizing. While some employees were left with no choice but to stay at home awaiting the industry rebound, others also ventured into alternative sources of livelihood to make ends meet. However, the motivations and inducers of such decisions and choices remain masked, especially within the confines of a crisis like COVID-19. Thus, based on the Entrepreneurial Event (EE) and Push-Pull theories of entrepreneurship, this study sought to understand the drivers of entrepreneurship among COVID-19-induced redundant hospitality and tourism employees but also the implication of their decisions on labour availability in the industry. Employing a phenomenological lens, the study purposively selected 20 redundant employees from across F&B, accommodation and travel tour sub-sectors in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Data were analysed using thematic analysis involving a blend of both inductive and deductive coding techniques. The study indicated that issues regarding firm liquidation, redundancies, retrenchment, and psychological burdens were among the push factors that impelled their entrepreneurial decisions and innovations, while factors including financial success, role-taking, time flexibility, independence and recognition were gleaned as pull factors. The study further revealed that the push factors ignited most pull factors but there is a need for further quantitative research to measure the exact impact of push factors on pull factors. The study revealed a general unwillingness to return to the industry for jobs after the pandemic due to uncertainties about job security. Keywords: COVID-19, redundancy, hospitality and tourism, entrepreneurship, Ghana Resilience of a sustainable tourism industry in the face of future pandemics for urban cities: A case of Harare, Zimbabwe and Windhoek, Namibia Isobel Manuel Senior Lecturer Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia Email: [email protected] 40

Ngoni Shereni Post-doc Fellow School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Pandemics are not new and like other crises and disasters can have lasting impacts on individuals, businesses, and communities in urban areas. Urban areas are home to most of the world’s population and are catalysts for economic growth and reform. These high-density urban areas make them vulnerable to various strains such as natural and man-made catastrophes which can influence the economic development of industries, including tourism in urban settings worldwide. The resilience of the tourism industry to mitigate future pandemics will depend on its ability to adapt and implement lessons learned from previous experiences. The aim of this research is to ascertain how urban cities can rethink, reset, and redefine the tourism industry in a sustainable manner in the face of future pandemics. This study will employ a qualitative research approach. Qualitative research covers a broad methodology, encompassing different research methods. Scholars primarily engage in systematic analysis of data obtained through interviews, surveys and or focus groups. This approach is useful in obtaining culturally specific information about the values, interests, behaviours, opinions of groups in society. For this research semi-structured interviews will be done with key informants in the Namibian and Zimbabwean urban tourism environment. The results of this study inform sustainable ways of building a resilient urban tourism industry capable of withstanding threats posed by current and future pandemics. Key factors that can contribute to this resilience can be disaster risk management plans and or preparedness plans in place for the tourism industry, investing in technologies that will aid with the digitization of the sector and stringent health and safety measures should remain a priority even after a pandemic ends. Keywords: resilience, urban cities, sustainable tourism, pandemics Collaborative actions of MICE stakeholders toward sector recovery and resilience Refiloe J. Lekgau Lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Tembi M. Tichaawa Professor & Academic Head: Tourism School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This article examines the actions taken by key stakeholders in the meetings, incentive travel, conference/convention, and exhibition (MICE) sector of South Africa in enabling sector recovery and building resilience. A purely qualitative research design was adopted, involving in-depth interviews with 19 purposively selected MICE event stakeholders, who represented the event planners, suppliers, leading industry associations, and governing authorities in South Africa. The study found that the South African Events council, which comprised representatives from key industry associations, took lead in coordinating the sector response to the pandemic, lobbying against COVID-19 regulations that adversely affected the operations of the sector, and developing MICE sector-specific protocols that comply with regulations and allow operations during the pandemic. Additionally, the study found that the uncertain and chaotic COVID-19-induced environment, coupled with changing regulations led to greater information sharing within the sector, at organizational and association, and sector levels. Moreover, the findings revealed the changes that were unfolding in the sector, and the transition to the virtual environment led to industry associations and key MICE 41

professionals offering capacity support and creating an enabling environment to allow new and potential suppliers in the industry. Furthermore, the long-term impacts of COVID-19 led to strategic partnerships between the MICE sector and the public sector entities geared towards rebuilding capacity and demand for MICE products post the pandemic. The study illustrates that the survival, adaptability, and recovery of many members in the sector were recognised as depending on the collaborations entered into therein. Keywords: MICE events, stakeholders, collaboration, resilience, South Africa An analysis of the enablers and barriers to a tourism destination resilience: A case of The Erongo Region in Namibia Mary Ellen Kimaro Position: Senior Lecturer in Tourism Studies School of Science, University of Namibia, Namibia Email: [email protected] Simon Chiutsi Position: Senior Lecturer in Hospitality and Tourism Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia Email: [email protected] Jona Heita Position: Lecturer in Tourism Studies School of Science, University of Namibia, Namibia Email: [email protected] Selma Lendolvo Position: Associate Professor and Director of Centre for Grants Management and Resource Mobilisation. University of Namibia, Namibia Email: [email protected] Godfrey Tawodzera Position: Senior Researcher and Associate Professor of Geography. Institute for Social Development (ISD), University of the Western Cape, South Africa Email: [email protected] Lawrence Kazembe Position: Professor of Applied Statistics School of Science, University of Namibia, Namibia Email: [email protected]/[email protected] Wanjiru Muhoho-Minni Position: Tourism Training and Project Development Consultant, Namibia Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT In the post-COVID-19 era, destination resilience has emerged as an important concept in tourism management literature. Tourism needs new strategies to cope with complex interrelated change impacts, including examining destination resilience in a post-disaster context. This study provides a quantitative assessment of tourism 42

organisational resilience, specifically by assessing the enablers and barriers of tourism resilience post-Covid-19 in Namibia. Based on data collected in 2022, from one of the tourism hotspots of Namibia in the Erongo Region, the study identifies the dimensions of resilience, and the enablers and barriers for this tourism destination. Respondents were interviewed in the following towns: Omaruru, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Karibib and Usakos. A stratified cluster random sampling approach was used with clusters being the towns. These were further grouped into three tourism strata (Tourism accommodation, Tour operators, and Tourism-related). Consequently, this paper contributes to currently limited work in the tourism disaster and crisis management literature in Namibia, while encouraging greater research attention towards micro-small tourism and hospitality businesses as a means of helping to foster more resilient businesses in the face of possible future shocks. Further, building resilience would require selecting and establishing the appropriate combination of policies. Pivotal to this is, capacity building of individuals and enterprises, government support to enterprises, anticipatory pre-planning of future changes which may include economic disruptions and climate change, and properly functioning infrastructure that allows travellers to access a country and move comfortably within it. Keywords: destination resilience, enablers, barriers, COVID-19, micro-tourism businesses, micro-hospitality businesses. A systematic review of domestic tourism resilience in Africa postCovid-19 Catherine Kifworo Post Doctoral Researcher, Tourism Management Faculty of Human Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Andries Potgieter Blvd, Vanderbijlpark, 1911, South Africa, Email: [email protected] Kaitano Dube Professor, Ecotourism Management Faculty of Human Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Andries Potgieter Blvd, Vanderbijlpark, 1911, South Africa, Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Domestic tourism has emerged as one of the most effective techniques for developing resilience within destinations in the post-COVID-19 period. Among its many advantages, domestic tourism presents a more stable demand resilient to external threats. However, despite apparent benefits, domestic tourism in Africa is not research-driven and is often relegated to second place after international tourism. In most instances, it is considered a fallback when international tourism faces a crisis rather than a significant segment in its own right. Furthermore, previous reviews on domestic tourism were conducted before 2020, leaving out the post-COVID-19 period. Past reviews have also primarily focused on a specific country. This study seeks a more regional perspective by reviewing studies on domestic tourism resilience in Africa post -Covid-19. It tracks domestic tourism’s scope, preferences, trends, recovery, and resilience strategies from studies published in English between 2020 and 2023. The data was collected through a systematic review. An electronic search was conducted using keywords, domestic tourism, Africa, postCOVID-19, recovery, trends, and resilience. The researcher gathered information from Sabinet and SCOPUS, which are international academic databases with research on the topic under consideration. Grey literature and studies before 2020 were excluded from the review. Creswell’s 2014 framework for thematic analysis was used for analysis. It was established that though the domestic market sustained the industry during the Covid -19 period, the number of studies on domestic tourism post-covid in Africa was still scant. Furthermore, the topical coverage of the existing studies was limited. Specifically, there was a scarcity of studies on the motivation and preferences of domestic tourists in Africa. This impacts policy and practice as the current research cannot adequately inform stakeholders on sustainable strategies, industry best practices, improved visitor experiences, and local community empowerment. Consequently, the study suggests that more research be conducted to fill the identified gaps. This will unleash the full potential of domestic tourism in Africa, resulting in a more diverse and resilient tourism industry. Keywords: Africa, domestic tourism, preferences, resilience, recovery, trends 43

Theme: Sport event tourism and resilience The path to a resilient sport event tourism sector: Stakeholder responses to a crisis Tracy Daniels Academic Head: Hospitality School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Tembi Tichaawa Academic Head: Tourism School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The COVID 19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of the sport event tourism sector in South Africa, despite its role as a key driver of economic and social sustainability in the country. This vulnerability resulted in the near closure of the sector with far reaching negative economic and social impacts on local communities and host destinations. The impacts of the pandemic have highlighted the need for the development of a resilient South African sport event tourism sector that can withstand, adapt and recover from future external shocks and crises, ensuring its long-term sustainability and success. The current paper sought to determine how South African sport tourism stakeholders responded to the COVID 19 pandemic to identify best practice and innovations. Findings deduced from key informant interviews revealed that in response to the crisis brought about by the pandemic, there was unprecedented collaboration between stakeholders, particularly in relation to joint funding initiatives, collective marketing strategies and the reviewing of contractual partnerships. Stakeholders adapted their practices to those that are more risk focused, making use of online and virtual platforms for sport event planning and hosting. The main findings of the study reveal the lack of a sport event tourism policy or strategy in South Africa to guide stakeholders through times of crisis to ensure swift recovery and mitigate long term negative impacts. It is therefore recommended that such a policy be developed in partnership with all stakeholders, focusing on key issues of facility management, resources and funding, strategy and planning, information dissemination and the marketing and promotion of the sector. Keywords: Sport event tourism, crisis management, resilience Towards an Integrated Framework for Sustainable Sport Tourism Development in Central Africa Siyabulela Nyikana Senior Lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Tembi Tichaawa Professor and Academic Head: Tourism School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] 44

ABSTRACT This study seeks to provide strategic direction for an integrated sport tourism development approach in the Central African context. Central to this focus area is the fact that, sport tourism in the African continent generally is largely fragmented with very little purposeful collaboration amongst key stakeholders. Resultantly, the sector has failed to realize its potential in many economies in this context. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research approach was used to critically analyse existing sport tourism frameworks in both the Global North and Global South contexts with a view to drawing key comparisons for the contrasting economies therein. Accordingly, existing literature and desktop sources were consulted to identify key thematic areas for this analysis. This was coupled with in-depth semistructured interviews with stakeholders in sport and tourism in the Central African region. The key findings reveal a weakness around the purposeful interactions that seek to capitalise on the interlinkages of sport and tourism in this context. Additionally, the study observes that the sport tourism sector has great potential to make a meaningful socio-economic contribution to economies in the region, but only if an integrated framework for sport tourism development is adopted. Resultantly, for sport tourism to be sustainable in the area, and contribute to government priorities around regional development, global competitiveness, infrastructural development and community development, an integrated framework for sport tourism development is needed. Such a framework may provide the springboard for sport tourism to play a greater role in societal and economic development of many destinations in this region and thus, play a key role in sustainable tourism development accordingly. Keywords: sport tourism, Central Africa, sporting events, sustainable tourism development, destination resilience Climate change vulnerability and exposure: Focus on cricket sporting events hosted in South Africa Godwell Nhamo Professor Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Pretoria, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Kaitano Dube Associate Professor Department of Tourism and Integrated Communications, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021 Vanderbijlpark 1911, South Africa. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Climate change attributed extreme and slow onset events are on the rise across the world with serious ramifications on the environment, economy, and society. A growing body of literature has emerged documenting the impact of the current climate regime on human activities such as agriculture, tourism, aviation, and other nature-based activities. Among the various tourism sectors that have been affected by climate change is the sports tourism subsector, especially cricket. Cricket activities are dependent on ideal weather conditions to take place. Such weather conditions ensure the optimum participation of both cricketers and their spectators. The adverse impact of climate change on Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games has been documented. This paper presents preliminary findings on the perceptions of climate change vulnerability and exposure to cricket activities hosted on South African soil. The work makes use of fans and associated respondents survey (n=130) that was conducted in the second half of 2019. Of those surveyed, an estimated 79.84% had been following the games for more than ten years. The findings are that weather remains a key factor in determining if the fan will go to the cricket stadium to watch the match. Of the 15 possible weather elements that adversely influence the fans to go to watch the matches, the top five are: excessive flooding, severe rainfall storms, high chances of snow, increased incidence and chances of lightning, and continuous light rains and/or drizzle. Match abandonment, match cancellation (washout), and increased call for pitch covers, emerged as the top three aspects frustrating fans and leading them to stay at home and watch the game on 45

TV. Regarding the most forms of matches impacted by the weather extremes, the fans indicated all forms from T20, one day and test. The 2018/19 season for South African T20 emerged as having been the most disrupted by extreme weather, with 10 games abandoned. Asked if the fans will support cricket grounds roof covering to minimise the extreme weather disruptions, 71.78% indicated they would do so. While there were strong views against planting artificial pitches (42.97%), about 36.72% were in support. However, a resounding 74.22% supported artificial pitches for developmental purposes, especially for townships, academies and similar environments. The work recommends that the cricket administrators prioritise addressing some of the key challenges faced by fans resulting from climate change in South Africa that may led to income and livelihoods loss. Keywords: cricket, tourism, climate change, weather South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadia as Contested Legacy Imperatives for Mega-event Infrastructure Development Hilary Kennedy Nji Bama Senior Lecturer Department of Tourism and Events Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa Email: [email protected] Tembi Maloney Tichaawa Full Professor & Head of Department: Tourism University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, College of Business and Economics, South Africa, Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This study was premised on the acknowledgement of the contested nature of legacy precepts that accompany mega-event projects. Given South Africa’s hosting of the first African World Cup in 2010, this study delves into the sustainability and legacy-related discussions and debates that accompanied the construction of stadia for the event. By way of a non-probability, purposeful sampling approach, eight key resource persons provided the data that were collected for this study. The empirical findings highlighted that the infrastructure legacy and sustainability expectations, as well as the nature of the impacts and implications of South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia, remain contested. Contestations arose in view of the varying and varied nature of responses received in relation to the support for the construction of the respective stadia under enquiry, with a notable nuance towards a lambasting of the almost total absence of foresight and strategic planning for post-event sustainability. Given the acknowledgement that the financial burden of these stadia as evidenced by post-event operational and maintenance imperatives posed significant sustainability challenges and contentions, the findings also pointed to participants’ reluctance to advocate for the demolition of stadia infrastructure, with a heavy reliance on the feel-good effects, the emotional attachment and the novelty effects of the stadia, which represent rather engendered feelings of the need for the implementation of better strategies to foster sustainable legacy outcomes. While providing novel insights into the infrastructure legacy impact planning and assessment from the perspective of economies in transition, the study suggests innovative planning and sustainability trajectories while highlighting pathways for further investigation and longer-term considerations of legacy perspectives of mega-event stadia infrastructure, especially on the context of current trends buoyed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Mega-event legacy, Stadium construction, Sustainability, FIFA World Cup, Contestation. 46

Sports events and local communities: perceptions from the AFCON 2022 host cities in Cameroon Paul Acha-Anyi Associate Professor Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Management, Faculty of Business Sciences Walter Sisulu University, Country: South Africa Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT The study presents an analysis of development opportunities presented by the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament that was held in Cameroon from 6 January to 9 February 2022, as perceived by residents of the host cities. A quantitative research paradigm was employed through the use of a structured questionnaire, in collecting data from 1683 respondents from all five host cities during the competition. The key finding from this study is that respondents were quite optimistic about the development opportunities presented by the sports event, particularly with regard to the promotion of their city as an attractive destination. Through the lens of the Social Representation Theory, it is observed that the political and cultural background of some respondents filter through the data collected, as very few women participated in the Muslim-dominated North Region, and respondents from Limbe presented the least optimistic views. Practical and policy implications are elaborated on, including the need for government and sports event organisers to include community representatives as part of the planning and delivery committee. The original contribution of this study spans from the analysis of data from five host cities, through the meaningful application of the SRT, to the unique socio-political context of Cameroon. Keywords: sports events, community development, social representation theory, AFCON, Cameroon. Theme: Digitalization and technological solutions for sustainable tourism Developing a Theoretical Model of Artificial Intelligence Adoption Modjadji Matilda Mashapa Lecturer School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Robin Nunkoo Professor Department of Management, University of Mauritius, Mauritius Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Globalisation has intensified competitiveness in tourism, driving many organisations to seek a sizable portion of the competitive edge, leading to the adoption of intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, tourism organisations continue to grapple with conflicting economic, social and environmental demands from tourism activities. As such, operations, systems and procedures have changed due to the increased usage of AI devices for production and decision-making. While the potential of AI for sustainable value creation by reducing 47

adverse socio-economic and environmental effects and enhancing resource efficiency is widely acknowledged, there needs to be more research on the holistic factors driving AI adoption in sustainable tourism. Therefore, grounded on the innovation and information systems, this study explicates the explanatory power of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Technology Use (UTAUT), Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT), Expectation Confirmatory model (ECM) and the Technology Organisation Environment Framework (TOE), to develop a theoretical model that examines the factors influencing the adoption of AI in sustainable tourism. The present investigation employs a literature review approach to comprehend the antecedents of holistic AI adoption. It makes a theoretical contribution by combining pre- and post-adoption variables creating a sustainable AI adoption and continuance use model. The research provides unique theoretical insights for tourism practitioners, politicians, system designers and developers of AI technologies to comprehend the factors influencing adoption and continuance use. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, adoption, decision making, sustainable tourism The adoption of new technological advancements to build resilience in hotels Itumeleng Henry Tiso Student School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa [email protected] Akhona Melani Work Integrated Learning Coordinator School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa [email protected] ABSTRACT The hotel industry was in a fight for survival during the covid-19 pandemic. To emerge resilient from the pandemics’ long-lasting impacts, the hotel industry needed to review, innovate and transform hotel operations. The prospects of recovery for hotels among other elements were underpinned by the integration of new technological advancements to aid the sustainability of the hotel business. This study was written based on responses from 4 to 5 star hotel employees in Gauteng, South Africa with the aim to investigate the extent at which hotels had adopted and accepted new technological innovations to reduce the impact of the pandemic. Elements from Davies’s Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) were employed to examine the acceptance and use of new technology in hotels. The findings show a significant correlation regarding the pandemic inciting a change in hotel operations and the integration of technological innovation in hotels to ensure sustainability. Further affirming the significance of the use of technology in hotels to emerge resilient from a pandemic. Lessons from the recent pandemic and this study can form a critical foundation for hotels in relation to adapting to external demands, integrating new technologies and sustainable strategies for survival. The findings also allude to the acceptance of new technological advancements by employees and their willingness to make use of them. Challenges and recommendations for future research are also discussed. Keywords: innovation, technological advancements, hotels, resilience, sustainability An analysis of digital public engagement by sustainable tourism businesses in Namibia Mary Ellen Kimaro Position: Senior Lecturer School of Science, University of Namibia, Namibia Email: [email protected] 48