Cultural Heritage and Tourism Stimulus: Regional Regeneration in Southern Africa

Abstract

The historical background of Southern Africa and the failure by contemporary heritage managers to develop a locally relevant practice for cultural heritage has been identified as one of the limitations to promote inclusive tourism across the region. Tourism is one of the leading economic activities globally, however, regional or local challenges such as cross boarder issues affects tourism development and beneficiation. Therefore, effective motivational regional tourism strategy is essential to obtain maximum benefits from the sector. Framed within the concept of Maslow’ Hierarchy, motivational theory, this chapter argues that to develop a locally relevant practice in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, tourism, as one of the key pillars of economic growth, can contribute to urban regeneration and gentrification. Evidence from cultural heritage sites in the SADC region, including cultural villages, that promote urban regeneration will be presented and discussed.