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Tourism has increasingly been viewed as an important means to challenge poverty, especially in developing countries. Since the beginning of democracy in South Africa, the African National Congress(ANC) government has emphasised the importance of overcoming poverty, and identified tourism as an important intervention in pursuit of this objective. This study assesses pro-poor tourism initiatives in Alexandra Township since 1994, with particular focus on the arts and crafts at St Michael's Church and SA Jewel. It will investigate whether projects similar to bead craft, initiated at the same time with the same objectives have benefited the residents of Alexandra. Finally, the study will consider if tourism initiatives being implemented in Alexandra conform to sustainable development objectives. The research reviews the literature on Tourism Development domestically and Local Economic Development. Furthermore the report extends to literature reviews specifically in Sustainable Tourism and Pro-Poor Tourism, its definitions and its examples in the tourism industry. It examines the various arguments for tourism development and alleviating poverty through these initiatives.
About the author
Shariefa holds a Master¿s degree and 30 years travel industry experience in South Africa.She has worked in various areas of tourism including operations development strategy. Since 1994 she participated in transformation training in tourism. Her passion for the empowerment of especially women in tourism led to her continuous research in this field.
