Towards a model to enhance destination competitiveness : a Southern African perspective

Abstract

The tourism environment is becoming increasingly competitive, dynamic and impacted by various global issues. Key factors such as changing consumer preferences, the increasing involvement of host communities, safety and health concerns, globalisation of the airline industry, technological innovation and environmental pressures are changing the face of international tourism and by implication are posing new challenges to tourism destinations in Southern Africa. Against this background, this paper will firstly focus on the potential role of tourism in addressing one of Southern Africa's key challenges, namely poverty alleviation. Thereafter the key observations made and lessons learnt from 26 stakeholder-involvement strategic planning processes that were facilitated for destinations in Southern Africa will be articulated. A sustainable destination competitiveness model will then be proposed that can be used as frame of reference to enhance Southern Africa's tourism competitiveness.