Tourists’ perceptions of climate change awareness, impact, and response mechanisms in South African national parks

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21541114
AutoresMalebajoa Anicia Maoela (0000-0001-5886-7991, University of South Africa, autor correspondente), Godwell Nhamo (0000-0001-5465-2168, University of South Africa), Lazarus Chapungu (0000-0002-4309-1630, University of South Africa), Asanda Madikizela (0000-0002-7287-743X, University of South Africa)
Ano2025
Volume42
Fascículo1
Páginas153-175
Data de publicação2025-01-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoDevelopment Southern Africa (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0376-835X • E-ISSN: 1470-3637
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0376835x.2024.2443417
OpenAlexW4405597242
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas62

Climate change threatens tourism through slow onsets and rapid climate-induced events like droughts, rising sea levels, floods, extreme heat, and wildfires, destabilising destinations appeal. This paper examined tourist perceptions of climate change in South African national parks and their responses to these challenges. A quantitative tourist survey (n = 871) was administered in 19 national parks. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression models, ANOVA, t-tests, and correlation analysis, while qualitative data were manually coded to identify themes and categorised by frequency. Over 40% of the tourists surveyed recognised the impact of climate change on the parks, and 50% understood the connection between climate change and reducing its environmental impact through lifestyle changes. However, 20% reported that lack of knowledge hinders their ability to adjust their lifestyles. Tourists showed a willingness to invest in sustainable travel, preferring green accommodations and low-carbon travel. This study highlights the need for park management to focus on conservation, disaster risk management, and engaging tourists through education and awareness of climate change and its impact on ecosystems and tourism

Climate change · Development economics · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Geography · Perception · Political science · Socioeconomics · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Psychology · Ecology