Development of a conceptual model for a rapid skills development in the community-based tourism industry in Botswana

Lloyd, Simon

Development of a conceptual model for a rapid skills development in the community-based tourism industry in Botswana

Master Thesis

2018

Abstract

The research explored the training needs of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) structures, specifically for Tsodilo Hills, as well as the learning methods that best suit community members and how training can be used to strengthen Social Capital. Tourism is a means to alleviate poverty and empower communities, however, some CBT projects fail to deliver this due to a lack of skills, conflict and community disengagement. Nationally recognized vocational training does not impart the skills required for CBT and is not accessible to individuals in remote locations. The constructivist grounded theory methodology was used. Feedback was obtained from the Tsodilo Hills community, government bodies, hospitality and tourism associations, tourism operators and educational institutions through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The data was transcribed, coded and analyzed. The findings indicate that training needs to focus on foundational, multi-disciplinary hard skills in hospitality and tourism, language, business, customer service and environmental sustainability, as well as soft skills, such as, in work attitude, innovation, conflict management, and communication. Training must be conducted in the community and tailored using an andragogical teaching approach. An Asset-Based Community Development approach, including CBT stakeholders, must be used to plan and implement training to ensure that learners and the community remain the focal point. Literature supports these findings. The research delivered a CBT Rapid Skills Development model which provided remote communities with access to relevant vocational training aligned to tourism principles and their specific needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of an inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.

Reference:

Collections

Masters

Full item page