Generating income for SANParks through tourism

The research poster focused on advances in adaptive management, with the brief to investigate ways and opportunities in which income can be generated through tourism for South African National Parks (SANParks) while keeping within their conservation and biodiversity aims.

Research is underway by BComHons (Tourism Management) students. They will do park comparisons, focusing on the northern cluster of national parks in South Africa which includes the Marakele National Park, Mapungupwe National Park and Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Exploratory desk research already done in this cluster indicated that volunteer programmes, research, hosting of events and day packages are possible ideas to generate income. Potential market segments are domestic and foreign tourists, the SAVE market, families and outdoor enthusiasts..

The empirical research, including in-depth interviews with park managers and a visitor survey per park, will be conducted during the second semester and results will be available in November 2013.