Responsible tourism and local linkages for procurement: South African debates and evidence

Abstract

The promotion of local procurement, local linkages and local content strategies is of growing policy significance in many countries. The expansion of local sourcing of goods and services is one of the central tenets of responsible tourism policy commitments in South Africa. Against this backdrop this article critically analyses a body of recent research findings on procurement undertaken by accommodation establishments in both urban and rural areas of South Africa. Using material about urban hotel procurement as well as supply chain linkages of rural safari lodges, the central focus is upon investigating the extent, depth and policy challenges around strengthening linkages between the sectors of tourism and agriculture. The results point to interventions required to support responsible tourism with important supportive roles for both national and local government.

Keywords: Responsible tourism, local procurement, tourism-agriculture linkages, Africa.