Perceptions and attitudes of the community towards impacts and sustainable development: The Case Study of eMpophomeni in Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)

Abstract

The study examines perceptions and attitudes of the community towards the impact of tourism and its sustainability as it is perceived as an alternative developmental philosophy that can serve as a panacea to alleviate poverty from communities. Social exchange theory is used to achieve the aforementioned. Since the role of residents is crucial within the sustainability paradigm, it is therefore important that their perceptions and attitudes on tourism impact towards sustainable development are understood and assessed. The study investigates and examines a range of variables involved in determining township community attitudes and perceptions towards tourism impact on development and sustainability and as a result social exchange theory is used. Literature is comprehensively reviewed on resident attitudes and perceptions towards tourism impact and sustainable development and social exchange theory are used in determining the above regarding variables involved. The findings reveal that negative perceptions of residents on tourism impact in the township of eMpophomeni offset positive outcomes. The study also reveals that long-term planning as a component of sustainable tourism, full community participation and environmental sustainability within tourism are inextricably linked and related to support for tourism and to the positive impacts of tourism.