A concept analysis of cultural and heritage tourism definitions with specific reference to the Cape Flats in Cape Town

Abstract

A motivation for undertaking a conceptual analysis of cultural and heritage tourism definitions, with specific reference to the Cape Flats in Cape Town, is as a result of excellent potential to develop the Cape Flats as a major cultural and heritage tourist destination within Cape Town. In 2010, the FIFA Soccer World Cup will be staged in South Africa and will afford Cape Town, in particular, an opportunity to offer tourists cultural and heritage tourism on the Cape Flats. The Cape Flats is situated twelve kilometres from the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town. The area of the Cape Flats extends to 30 square kilometres. The White Paper on Tourism makes provision for the establishment and development of cultural tourism on the Cape Flats. Currently, cultural facilities, attractions, tourist infrastructure and transportation networks for tourists are non-existent. It is imperative that a definition on cultural and heritage tourism is agreed upon and accepted by various stakeholders before any developments and promotion of the Cape Flats take place. In developing a cultural and heritage tourism definition with specific reference to the Cape Flats in Cape Town, input from residents, tour operators, travel agents, bed & breakfast establishments, hotels and tour guides on the Cape Flats and surrounding areas should be taken into account. In addition to the above, cognisance of some of the following factors such as unemployment, crime, gangsterism, education and skills development will shape a cultural and heritage definition for the Cape Flats. A number of recommendations are made with respect to a definition of cultural and heritage tourism when offering a cultural and heritage tourism experience on the Cape Flats.