Nature and Impacts of Tourism Development Facilities and Activities on the Livelihoods of Communities in Musina Municipality

ABSTRACT The paper examines the imports of nature and the impacts of tourism development initiatives in Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa. Data was garnered via questionnaire surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, document reviews, and physical observations. The study revealed the plentiful nature of tourism potential, manifesting both actual and potential tourism initiatives. However, tourism benefits to the locals were not forthcoming. Musina Municipality is one of the aridest areas in the far north of Limpopo province, South Africa. Rural communities’ poor livelihood conditions are prevalent. Despite its hinterland qualities, it occupies a largely tourism-based segment in the Vhembe District. Matters of tourism and local economic development have become a more widely studied topic in the past years. Nonetheless, few studies have investigated the synergies between various components and forms of tourism services in rural areas to advance the local communities.