The perceived economic benefits of tourism: The case of a rural community bordering the Kruger National Park in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

A quantitative study was conducted to establish the perceptions of local community members with regards to the perceived economic benefits of tourism activities in their rural community. From a final population sample of N=80 households, a survey was conducted utilising researcher administered questionnaires, with responses recorded on a 5-point Likert scale. Data was sorted and analysed utilising the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.1, with descriptive data presented in tabular form summarising frequencies and cumulative frequencies per statement. The study importantly found that the community perceived itself to be benefitting economically from tourism activities, albeit the associated costs that could be attributed to tourism activities. Job creation, infrastructural development and improved standards of living were identified as key benefits for the rural populace, while social issues such prostitution were the perceived costs of tourism in the area adjacent to the Kruger National Park of Limpopo Province South Africa.