An investigation into the sustainability of township tourism post the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ - the case of Soweto

Abstract

This research is a post event study that looks at the experience, challenges and the sustainability of the township tourism industry in Soweto after the 2010 FIFA World Cup ™. South Africa faces the challenge of high unemployment and low economic growth. The awarding of the world cup was seen as a welcome opportunity to address these challenges. Tourism was identified as a sector that could play a huge role. Many partnerships were formed by business and government to maximise the 2010 World Cup experience on the tourism sector. Entrepreneurship and SMME development was seen as a way to get the less skilled active in the tourism economy. This study draws on research of mega events, SMME development and tourism. The findings were that although the tourism industry has had a good world cup experience and most SMME‟s have benefited, the maximisation of this benefit was not achieved. Recommendations include implementing interventions from studies undertaken from end to end, encouraging youth SMME‟s and growing internal tourism. Copyright