Exploring the experiences of tourists at heritage sites: the case of Liliesleaf Farm Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum

Date
2016
Authors
Masilo, Hope
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Abstract
Heritage tourism has emerged as an important part of tourism growth in the new South Africa. It contributes significantly in demonstrating the diverse cultural offerings that the country has to offer. Struggle heritage is one of the elements that attract tourists to visit South African museums. Using a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data, this study explored the motivations, experiences and understanding of heritage of 100 local tourists at Liliesleaf Farm Museum (50 respondents) and the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum (50 respondents), both based in Johannesburg. This research adds to the debates on how people perceive heritage and how important it is to them. The findings suggest that South Africans desire to visit heritage sites but due to the unavailability of information and inadequate communication between museum marketers and the public, local tourists are less likely to visit. Overall, this study suggests that although creating memorable and unique visitor experiences is essential, being in regular contact with repeat and prospective visitors is paramount for the growth and sustainability of the museum and the continued dialogue of the struggle, as well as the development and advancement of Heritage Tourism in South Africa.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, March 2016.
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Citation
Masilo, Hope (2016) Exploring the experiences of tourists at heritage sites: the case of Liliesleaf Farm Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/21291>
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