An evaluation of the performance of tourism at Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa

Abstract

Mapungubwe National Park is one of the parks that were created to conserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage in South Africa. It has also been awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This study evaluates the performance of tourism at the park and the cultural landscape. Data on visitations and lodging occupancy after the Park was declared as a World Heritage Site were examined. In order to understand possible causes of tourism trends, visitation data was supplemented by social survey data. The study established that there is no sharp increase on the tourist numbers to the Park. In addition, bed occupancy is below 50% since the Park was declared a World Heritage Site. Potential barriers contributing to low bed occupancy are discussed. The study concludes that the World Heritage Site status did not trigger an increase in tourism in Mapungubwe National Park. Contributing factor is newness of Mapungubwe as a national park in South Africa.