An investigation into the operational challenges of community-based tourism in Swaziland

M.Comm. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)Community-based tourism is increasingly being developed and promoted as a means of reducing poverty in developing countries whereby the needs of local communities are met through the offering of a tourism product. The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) with the support of the European Union Fund has made significant contributions to the development of community-based tourism in Swaziland enabling rural communities to successfully develop tourist attractions. However, whilst many community-based tourism ventures have been established in developing countries, their operations have not been monitored properly. The same scenario exists in Swaziland where, at the operational level, when the projects are completely left in the hands of the communities, these projects seem to lack the drive and stagnate. It is apparent that most of these community-based tourism ventures are faced with a number of challenges at operational level. This study, therefore, investigated these operational challenges facing community-based tourism in Swaziland. The study used the mixed methods research design whereby qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group interviews and participant observation. Quantitative data was collected from visitors to community-based tourism ventures through questionnaires. From the findings of the study, it was clear that operational challenges ranged from poor management to lack of operational resources and impatient communities among others. The report concludes by stating recommendations to possible solutions to these operational challenges