Dafuleya, G.Mokabe, M.Nethengwe, Tondani2025-06-212025-06-212025-05-16Nethengwe, T. 2025. Sustainability of South African Homestays: an integrated approach for Tourism and Hospitality Development. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2845PhD (Tourism and Hospitality Management)Department of Tourism and Hospitality ManagementThis study aimed to develop a framework for enhancing the sustainability of homestays in South Africa, addressing the lack of standardized quality control and certification programs. This absence leads to inconsistent service quality, making it difficult for tourists to set clear expectations. The research assessed the current state of homestays by profiling various types through online surveys, including web pages and social media platforms like Facebook. A case study approach was used to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social factors influencing homestay sustainability. Six homestays (two per province—urban and rural) across three provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal) were selected for in-depth interviews. Surveys were conducted with 120 households near each homestay to examine local community perceptions. The findings revealed the need for government intervention to establish clear policies for regulating homestay standards. This would address inconsistencies and improve service quality and sustainability. The study also emphasized the importance of adopting responsible environmental practices, such as solar energy, sustainable water management, and better waste disposal systems, to mitigate long-term environmental damage. It recommended training programs to encourage sustainable tourism practices among homestay operators. The research further identified the vulnerability of homestays to climate change, particularly in rural, ecologically sensitive areas. Strategies to enhance climate resilience, such as eco-friendly infrastructure and disaster preparedness, were suggested. Additionally, technological challenges were identified, particularly in rural areas where limited access to digital platforms restricts marketing efforts. The study recommended capacity-building initiatives to improve the visibility and profitability of homestays through digital marketing and online platforms. Regarding community perceptions, the study found that local communities generally viewed homestays positively, with no major social or economic changes observed. However, the study suggests further research, including structured surveys targeting various community groups, to assess the broader impacts of homestays on the economy, society, and environment.1 online resource (xv, 248 leaves): color illustrationsenUniversity of VendaHomestaysUCTDSustainabilitySustainable goal developmentTourism910.4640968257Service industry -- South AfricaHospitality industry -- South AfricaHotels -- South AfricaBoardinghouses -- South AfricaConvention facilities -- South AfricaThesisNethengwe T. Sustainability of South African Homestays: an integrated approach for Tourism and Hospitality Development. []. , 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Nethengwe, T. (2025). <i>Sustainability of South African Homestays: an integrated approach for Tourism and Hospitality Development</i>. (). . Retrieved fromNethengwe, Tondani. <i>"Sustainability of South African Homestays: an integrated approach for Tourism and Hospitality Development."</i> ., , 2025.TY - Thesis AU - Nethengwe, Tondani AB - This study aimed to develop a framework for enhancing the sustainability of homestays in South Africa, addressing the lack of standardized quality control and certification programs. This absence leads to inconsistent service quality, making it difficult for tourists to set clear expectations. The research assessed the current state of homestays by profiling various types through online surveys, including web pages and social media platforms like Facebook. A case study approach was used to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social factors influencing homestay sustainability. Six homestays (two per province—urban and rural) across three provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal) were selected for in-depth interviews. Surveys were conducted with 120 households near each homestay to examine local community perceptions. The findings revealed the need for government intervention to establish clear policies for regulating homestay standards. This would address inconsistencies and improve service quality and sustainability. The study also emphasized the importance of adopting responsible environmental practices, such as solar energy, sustainable water management, and better waste disposal systems, to mitigate long-term environmental damage. It recommended training programs to encourage sustainable tourism practices among homestay operators. The research further identified the vulnerability of homestays to climate change, particularly in rural, ecologically sensitive areas. Strategies to enhance climate resilience, such as eco-friendly infrastructure and disaster preparedness, were suggested. Additionally, technological challenges were identified, particularly in rural areas where limited access to digital platforms restricts marketing efforts. The study recommended capacity-building initiatives to improve the visibility and profitability of homestays through digital marketing and online platforms. Regarding community perceptions, the study found that local communities generally viewed homestays positively, with no major social or economic changes observed. However, the study suggests further research, including structured surveys targeting various community groups, to assess the broader impacts of homestays on the economy, society, and environment. DA - 2025-05-16 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Homestays KW - Sustainability KW - Sustainable goal development KW - Tourism LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2025 T1 - Sustainability of South African Hpmestays: an integrated approach for Tourism and Hospitality Development TI - Sustainability of South African Hpmestays: an integrated approach for Tourism and Hospitality Development UR - ER -