Abstract:
Information exchange is a process through which information, experience and skills are exchanged among
stakeholders. While previous studies acknowledge that Visitor Information Centres (VICs) exchange information
with various stakeholders, it remains unclear how this exchange contributes to economic opportunities for tourism
businesses. The objective of the study is therefore to ascertain whether the information that VICs and tourism
businesses exchanges contributes to economic opportunities. A survey was distributed to tourism businesses listed
in the databases of government-owned VICs in South Africa. The results show that VICs and tourism businesses
exchange information and that this exchange generates economic opportunities for businesses. The results also
identify factors in the information exchange process that are predictors of economic opportunities. Based on the
results, VIC staff should use the exchange of information as a platform through which they may generate economic
opportunities for businesses. In their exchange of information, VIC staff should understand the information needs
of tourism businesses and provide them with visitor-support information that is extensive, useful and according
to their preferences. Consequently, staff can contribute to government’s plan of improving the lives of businesses
in areas in which they operate.
