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This paper introduces a hybrid analytical framework to comprehensively assess luxury game lodges within protected areas such as Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS). The framework, developed through a synthesis of diverse Social-Ecological Systems (SES) models and tools, encompasses eight key steps, from sustainability context assessment to creating a tailored managerial-ecology model. By systematically analysing ecological, social, and economic dimensions, this framework empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that balance biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and community engagement in luxury game lodge operations. Its practical application promises to advance the coexistence of ecotourism and environmental protection, fostering the long-term viability of these vital tourism destinations within protected areas.

The Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, has reached a stage where crowding has become a challenge and feasible solutions must be found. Previous research found that visitors believe that the park’s southern section tends to experience crowding in specific areas, for example, at wildlife sightings, day visitor areas and picnic sites as well as eating and drinking areas (restaurants). This research aimed to determine the feelings and behaviours of tourists in these crowded areas in the southern section of the KNP. Qualitative research was conducted during the school holidays in December 2022 and the Christmas peak period. The sample population comprised overnight and day visitors (older than 18 years) to the park. Twenty-three interviews were conducted at various places. The research found that tourists experiencing crowding in the park have multiple feelings and behaviours. Some may feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the crowds, whereas others may be excited, anticipating something interesting to see. Contribution to conservation: Visitors might be negatively impacted at crowded places in the park, resulting in negative perceptions among tourists and perhaps fewer visitors. This could have indirect implications for conservation efforts, as fewer tourists to the park will result in less funding for the park’s management.

This study determined the key aspects of ecotourism product development for one of Nigeria’s neglected national parks and biodiversity hotspots, the Cross River National Park (CRNP). Quantitative research was conducted. The research used a non-probability sampling technique namely, convenience sampling. The findings show that accommodation, facilities, and activities are key to product development. The main type of probable accommodation identified for the CRNP is rondavels, for the self-catering market. Key activities ascertained are outdoor activities such as trails, and leisure sports such as minigolf. The key potential facilities/amenities identified are ancillary facilities/services such as electricity supply and communication facilities. These products, when developed and incorporated into the existing natural wealth of the park, will not only create comfort and convenience to tourists but can enhance tourists’ experiences and contribute to increasing the quality of production as well as service delivery. The research made the following contributions: Firstly, it identified key aspects for ecotourism product development for GRNP. Secondly, this was the first time that such research was conducted in Nigeria, contributing to the literature regarding natural area tourism research in Nigeria and in third place the research gives a comprehensive summary of the literature regarding product development for tourism products.

Marine wildlife voluntourism (MVT) is an alternative form of tourism that has grown due to the desire of people to assist in conservation efforts and research. There is limited research on the demand and supply perspectives of MVT and whether these align. This type of research can guide the sustainable development of MVT. A qualitative research method was followed, using semi-structured interviews to collect data to fill this gap. South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar were identified as the case study locations for this research. Data were collected from 30 voluntourists and 24 staff members from June 2019 to June 2020. MVT organisations were also asked to describe their business model, using the business model canvas method. Thematic analysis was deployed as the main method to analyse the data. The perspectives of the demand and supply sides of MVT were aligned. Importantly, conservation, research and community engagement were essential to both the voluntourists and the staff members. The business model canvas of the MVT organisations had important elements that contributed to the success of MVT programmes. This study provided a better understanding of MVT in southern Africa from a demand and supply perspective, yielding recommendations for marketing, management and future research.

The study aimed to investigate the stakeholder experiences and perception of the ban on trophy hunting in Botswana that was instituted between April 2014 and May 2019 with the view to inform a revised strategy for Botswana CBT approach. Two communities were selected for this research, namely Sankuyo village in northern Botswana and Mmadinare in the eastern part of the country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents (Community trust leaders, small businesses, and former hunting employees) in both communities and structured interviews with community members. The study found numerous challenges experienced since the ban on hunting. Communities experienced an increase in wildlife numbers that led to an escalation of the Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and the destruction of raw materials used by craft traders. The communities further bemoaned the lack of involvement in decision-making due to increased bureaucratic challenges. There is also a loss of revenue, regulatory impediments, and problems in the relationship with current ecotourism operators in Sankuyo, where ecotourism is practiced. The study, therefore, recommended a five-phase strategy that articulates the process and conditions needed in facilitating a CBT project. Furthermore, the study identified seven conditions that will enable the environment in CBT to bring about sustainability. The paper discusses the strategy, and its implications are that; while it is in the communities’ court to align with the strategy’s facilitation process, there is a need for authorities, on the other hand, to address issues identified to enable a conducive environment for sustainable community natural resource utilisation and conservation to occur.

Amid global biodiversity loss, it is important to find practical tools and solutions in order to protect biodiversity. Ecotourism is the fastest-growing sector of the international travel industry and can be a powerful conservation tool that encourages people to protect the natural environment. Traditionally, frogs have not generated much attention among ecotourists, partly because they are easily overshadowed by other more charismatic species or habitat attractions. With almost a third of the nearly 7000 known amphibian species listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their protection is crucial. Frogging is a well-known term within the frog conservation society, describing the activity of searching for frogs in the wild. This can be combined with other ecotourism activities to attract tourists and create an interest in the conservation of frogs while having fun at the same time. The aim was to determine the ecotourism potential of frogs in South Africa, primarily by distributing questionnaires to tourists to retrieve information on whether they would be interested in participating in frog-related ecotourism activities within the South African National Parks. For this research, a quantitative research approach was followed, namely non-probability sampling, to which convenience sampling was applied. An online survey (questionnaire) was designed to collect the data for the research. The survey outcome was satisfactory, as potential tourists indicated that they would like to participate in frog-related activities. The project offers the opportunity to conserve frogs, educate tourists, and create job opportunities within the local communities. It will also create a new tourism product for the South African National Parks. Conservation implications: The contribution of this research to conservation lies in the opportunity to benefit frog conservation through ecotourism.

The world of travel and tourism have perhaps changed forever as a result of COVID-19; considered the worst global pandemic to affect the world, post World War II. The spread of the Coronavirus diseases was considerably attributed to the travel and tourism industry, and with the attempt to curb the spread of the virus, the industry experienced calamitous effects and suffered staggering financial losses. The same accounts for wildlife tourism (Southern Africa’s largest product) – bringing the hunting and ecotourism sector of South Africa to a complete standstill. The pandemic accompanied concerning and devastating effects, not only from a financial point of view, but also in terms of the conservation of these sectors within the industry. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis using the data obtained from the members of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) to quantify the actual and potential financial losses in the private wildlife industry due to cancellations of hunters and ecotourists, live game sales and finally, game meat sales in the industry. From the results, the estimated financial impact of COVID-19 on the private wildlife industry is R6.694 billion (ZAR). The study made the following three contributions: Firstly, it determined the economic impact of COVID-19 on the private wildlife industry. Secondly, it provides the industry with a tangible document that can be used in securing funding and assistance from government and other non-profit organisations. Thirdly, it shows the importance of this industry to the South African economy and employment, although only applicable to private-owned reserves

This study evaluated the economic impact of hunting on the regional economy of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Data on biltong hunting was derived from a national survey conducted in 2009 and data on trophy hunting from the Professional Hunting Association of South Africa (PHASA). Using the input-output (social accounting matrix) and multiplier analyses, we found that the direct economic impact of hunting in the regional economy of the Limpopo Province, as a result of increased expenditure, exceeded R669 million (US$83.6 million). This direct impact resulted in a total economic impact in the order of R1.2 billion (US$150 million) and consequently in a multiplier effect of 1.76. With regard to employment, we estimated that some 8 382 jobs, in addition to those of the employees directly involved, may be dependent upon hunting in the province, which supports the notion that this is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry.

Orientation: Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (MNP) is a unique national park in South Africa in that it includes a World Heritage Site of significant importance for the people of southern Africa. MNP is a relatively new national park with low visitor numbers and occupancy rates, which threaten the sustainable management of the park. Research purpose: This study aimed to develop a general visitor profile and to describe the motivational factors for visiting the park in order to support the development of tourism at MNP. Motivation of the study: A tourism management plan is required for the park; however, any planning associated planning requires an assessment of tourist behaviour and needs. Research design, approach and method: An online questionnaire was distributed to a database of visitors to MNP during March−April 2013. A total of 486 responses were received. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics through frequencies and means. Motivator constructs were analysed through a factor analysis. Main findings: The study both confirmed and contradicted previous findings from other national parks in terms of visitor profiles and motivations. Most crucially, this study identified a new motivational factor for visiting national parks, which advances the need to manage the heritage aspect of world heritage sites distinctly from national parks. Managerial implications: The results indicated that visitors to MNP were older and better educated compared to visitors at other national parks. These visitors included predominantly first-time visitors. In addition these visitors are mainly motivated by the need for a nature experience, although the park is not a Big 5 reserve, findings also identified heritage and education as a unique motivational factor for this park. Contribution added: The study promotes the requirement of a unique park-specific tourism management strategy for MNP as the market base of this park is demographically distinct. In addition, the park should improve the promotion of its status as a World Heritage asset in relation to its natural attributes in order to attract greater numbers of heritage tourists. Although the park features exceptional natural features, the reserve is not a Big 5 reserve and this may result in dissatisfaction with the major group of visitors seeking a nature experience.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to estimate the economic impact of biltong hunting in South Africa. Problem investigated: Higginbottom (2004), indicate there are no reliable global estimates of the economic impact of wildlife tourism, but one thing is certain, it generates considerable sums of money. This same accounts for South Africa's game industry, especially biltong hunting, where there is little to no information regarding the economic impact. Therefore the question to be investigated was what is the economic impact of biltong hunting in the South African economy. Research methodology: A non-probability method was used and a convenience sample was drawn from all the members (N = 17066) of the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA). A pilot study of 87 questionnaires was conducted in August and September 2004 in the North West Province at the Hartbees branch of SAHGCA. For the national survey, the questionnaires were mailed together with the members' monthly magazine (named SA Hunters/Jagters) during July 2005. A total of 1 024 (n) questionnaires were received back. Data was captured in Microsoft™ Excel™ and a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling approach was thereafter used to determine the economic impact of biltong hunting in the South African economy. Findings/implications: The contribution to real GDP is estimated to be in excess of R6 billion, with thousands of jobs being created by the increase in activities/services. In addition, the related improvements to the infrastructure of the country, especially the transport sector, will benefit productivity in the longer term and so lead to further increases in GDP. Originality: A significant contribution that this article has made is that this is the first time that the economic impact of biltong hunting in South Africa has been determined. It is also the first time that CGE modelling has been completed with regard to research in this sector in South Africa. Conclusion: This supports the opinion that biltong hunting is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry. The results clearly show that more should be done to expand hunting in South Africa as hunting affects, not only the economy, but also the price (and therefore the value) of game.

The Kruger National Park (KNP) one of the largest conservation areas in South Africa, attracts in excess of one million visitors a year and is regarded as an icon destination in international tourism. Since this park attracts more tourists than any other park in South Africa, the purpose of this article is to determine the reasons (the travel motives) why tourists visit the park. Little research has been done on travel motives to national parks and this was the first of its kind in South Africa. The research was conducted by means of questionnaires. A factor analysis was used to determine the travel motives. Six factors were identified, namely nature, activities, attractions, nostalgia, novelty and escape from routine. Some of these motives were confirmed by similar research in other countries, although the similarities are not significant. This research confirmed that different attractions and destinations fed different travel motives, hence the need for more studies of this nature to be conducted.

MNP is of international cultural and ecological importance as it has been inscribed as a world heritage site and a transfrontier conservation area (TFCA). Conservation is seen as the primary pillar of management for any national park in South Africa, however, the perceptions of visitors in terms of conservation at such sites is often overlooked. For this reason the primary goal of this paper is to determine whether there are any gaps in the effective management of conservation at MNP. The results presented in this paper form part of a larger integrated tourism research project which took place at MNP during 2013. This study incorporated various aspects related to effective tourism management at a national park and world heritage sites including hospitality, human resources, marketing and conservation, the latter aspect will be the core focus of this paper. This paper is structured in four main parts. The paper will commence with a literature overview of protected area management with a focus on the pillars of park management. The second part of the paper will detail the methodology utilised followed by the data and methodology. The paper will conclude with a discussion and conclusion.

Ecotourism in South African National Parks is growing. Increased tourist numbers means increased environmental impacts and more pressure on non-renewable resources. Tourists are important stakeholders and have the potential of contributing to the success of environmental management in national parks. Understanding tourists' perceptions regarding environmental management factors can assist national park managers in identifying environmental management issues to be addressed and to provide sustainable ecotourism experiences in national parks. The purpose of this paper is therefore to determine ecotourists‟ perceptions regarding environmental management practices in South African National Parks. This study followed a quantitative research approach in which a web survey was conducted with 993 responses. Three factors were identified from the exploratory factor analysis: eco-efficient practices, Eco-tourist conduct, and park management aspects. Tourists‟ responses to an open-ended question regarding specific environmental issues in South African National Parks were further analysed in order to elicit more depth regarding visitors' perceptions.

The increasing number of tourists to South African national parks raises concern about the effect these tourists have on the environment. This article aims to investigate how SANParks manage environmentally friendly South African national parks in order to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment. To examine these concerns, a survey was conducted to measure tourists’ perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in these parks. A web-based survey was carried out via the official SANParks website to collect data. The findings of this study will help SANParks to manage the environmental impacts of tourism in the national parks more effectively.

The increasing number of tourists to South African national parks raises concern about the effect these tourists have on the environment. This article aims to investigate how SANParks manage environmentally friendly South African national parks in order to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment. To examine these concerns, a survey was conducted to measure tourists’ perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in these parks. A web-based survey was carried out via the official SANParks website to collect data. The findings of this study will help SANParks to manage the environmental impacts of tourism in the national parks more effectively.

This article examines the socio-demographic characteristics and travel behaviour of biltong hunters in South Africa. It attempts to determine the relationship between these factors and local tourist expenditure. In order to achieve the goal, a survey was conducted among members of the three main South African hunting associations. The behavioural variables that exerted the greatest influence on hunter expenditure were the number of hunting trips per year and the length of stay at a hunting destination. The contribution of the research is primarily, that from a methodological point of view, it was the first time that a more advanced statistical analysis has been applied to data concerning biltong hunting in South Africa, and secondly, findings will assist game-farm owners to market and develop their products in order to attract the higher spending market.

This article examines the socio-demographic characteristics and travel behaviour of biltong hunters in South Africa. It attempts to determine the relationship between these factors and local tourist expenditure. In order to achieve the goal, a survey was conducted among members of the three main South African hunting associations. The behavioural variables that exerted the greatest influence on hunter expenditure were the number of hunting trips per year and the length of stay at a hunting destination. The contribution of the research is primarily, that from a methodological point of view, it was the first time that a more advanced statistical analysis has been applied to data concerning biltong hunting in South Africa, and secondly, findings will assist game-farm owners to market and develop their products in order to attract the higher spending market.

Although expenditure-based segmentation is a popular method, it has never previously been applied in the study of national parks in South Africa. The advantage of this method is that one can distinguish between different levels of expenditure markets. This article aims to apply expenditure-based segmentation of tourists to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Only tourists per definition formed part of this study, excluding day visitors. Tourist surveys were conducted between 2001 and 2007, yielding 2904 completed questionnaires.

Although expenditure-based segmentation is a popular method, it has never previously been applied in the study of national parks in South Africa. The advantage of this method is that one can distinguish between different levels of expenditure markets. This article aims to apply expenditure-based segmentation of tourists to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Only tourists per definition formed part of this study, excluding day visitors. Tourist surveys were conducted between 2001 and 2007, yielding 2904 completed questionnaires.

The aim of the study upon which this paper is based was two-fold: firstly, to determine what motivates individuals to join a fitness club, and secondly, to determine their sport and leisure behaviours. This is done in an industry that is growing but in which very little research has been conducted in the past from a South African perspective. A quantitative research approach was followed. Data collection took place at Virgin Active clubs in Gauteng, South Africa. A probability sampling, namely random sampling, was conducted. Questionnaires were distributed among Virgin Active members at three different fitness clubs. In total, 474 usable questionnaires were obtained, after which three factor analyses were conducted. For the first-factor analysis (reasons for exercising or being a member of a fitness club), five factors were identified; for the second-factor analysis (type of sport participating in), four factors were identified; and for the third-factor analysis (leisure time participation), three factors were identified. The research firstly revealed that the primary motives for being a member of a fitness club are for health reasons, part of my lifestyle, and to improve my quality of life. Secondary motives are interaction and being sociable, as well as being goal orientated. The second finding of the research is that traditional sport codes such as rugby, tennis, netball, and soccer remain the most popular sports to participate in. Lastly, the research proposes the CAP (creative, active and passive) leisure typology needs to be tested in future research in this field. This is the first time that these aspects (motives, sport and leisure behaviour) have been tested at fitness clubs in South Africa.