ACTSA, Action for Southern Africa was set
up in 1994 as the successor organisation to the Anit-Apartheid Movement in the
United Kingdom. ACTSA researches and campaigns on a variety of issues which
affect the Southern Africa region, for example aid, trade and debt and
security.
In July 1997 ACTSA launched a major
campaign, which is expected to run for many years to come - the campaign for
People-First Tourism in Southern Africa.
Why
Tourism ?
There are many potential economic and
social benefits of tourism which, if carefully managed can contribute to
sustainable development. As a labour intensive industry it can create jobs,
particularly in marginalised rural areas. Tourism is an export that can earn
vital foreign exchange for countries affected by heavy debt burdens and
declining terms of trade for traditional commodity exports, without the
'product' leaving the country. Tourism can also contribute positively to wealth
redistribution and economic empowerment through the development of small and
medium enterprises.
Why Southern
Africa?
Many regions of the world have
acknowledged the developmental potential of tourism and are striving to harness
the benefits. Post-apartheid Southern Africa is at the forefront of these.
International tourist arrivals to Southern Africa have increased dramatically
since the end of the apartheid. Between 1990 and 1996 the number of visitors to
the region more than doubled. South Africa was the world's fastest growing
destination in 1996. Action for Southern Africa has identified international
tourism as a vital force for future economic diversification and growth, as well
as for social development and community empowerment.
People-First Tourism - the vision
The
vision of a new type of tourism already being articulated by key actors in
Southern Africa, from regional bodies to governments and right down to community
level. The South African White Paper on tourism outlines various key aspects of
what it calls 'Responsible Tourism'. Other groups refer to 'alternative' or
'peoples' tourism, all involve a core set of elements which have been
synthesised below as 'people-first
tourism'.