Original Research

The socio-economic impact of the Table Mountain National Park

Melville Saayman, Andrea Saayman, Riaan Rossouw
Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences | Vol 6, No 2 | a269 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jef.v6i2.269 | © 2018 Melville Saayman, Andrea Saayman, Riaan Rossouw | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 June 2018 | Published: 31 July 2013

About the author(s)

Melville Saayman, Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, South Africa
Andrea Saayman, School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa
Riaan Rossouw, School of Economics, North-West University

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Abstract

This article will determine the socio-economic impact of South Africa’s largest urban national park, and the one that attracts the most visitors. Because national parks have more functions than mere conservation, the following questions arise: “What economic and social impacts are created by such parks?” and “How do communities benefit from allocating land for conservation?” Little research on this topic has been conducted in Southern Africa, and this research therefore contributes to our knowledge. Two surveys were conducted. One focused on the communities surrounding the park and the other on visitors to the park. A Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) determined the economic value. Results showed that, although the park attracts the most visitors, it does not generate the greatest income when compared to other national parks. Results concerning the community survey revealed that the surrounding communities have very positive perceptions, although they believe the impacts to be more economic than social. Problem areas were also identified.

Keywords

conservation tourism; Social Accounting Matrix; urban park; World Heritage site; marine park; factor analysis

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