Towards a model to enhance destination competitiveness : a Southern African perspective

Abstract

The tourism environment is becoming increasingly competitive, dynamic and impacted by various global
\nissues. Key factors such as changing consumer preferences, the increasing involvement of host communities,
\nsafety and health concerns, globalisation of the airline industry, technological innovation and environmental
\npressures are changing the face of international tourism and by implication are posing new challenges to
\ntourism destinations in Southern Africa. Against this background, this paper will firstly focus on the potential
\nrole of tourism in addressing one of Southern Africa's key challenges, namely poverty alleviation. Thereafter
\nthe key observations made and lessons learnt from 26 stakeholder-involvement strategic planning processes
\nthat were facilitated for destinations in Southern Africa will be articulated. A sustainable destination
\ncompetitiveness model will then be proposed that can be used as frame of reference to enhance Southern
\nAfrica's tourism competitiveness.