The economic benefits of wildlife tourism in local communities: a case study of Pilansberg National Park

Abstract

The economic benefits of wildlife tourism in local communities are a burning issue at this present time because nature reserves were concerned with conservation management while ignoring the economic needs of their local communities. A study was taken to find out how Pilanesberg National Park economically benefits the local community of Moruleng. The community members, project leaders and business people were interviewed to find out. Moreover the managers and employees of Pilanesberg National Park were interviewed. The researcher maintains that the pace of Pilanesberg National Park Development caused the major problem for lack of economic linkages between the rural community of Moruleng and Pilanesberg National Park. Moreover the researcher maintains that there is a need for community involvement in tourism plans for the community to benefit economically from the tourism industries. The researcher recommends that research must be undertaken before tourism development to analyse the demographics and education levels of a community.