Tourism development and social carrying capacity of Zimbabwe’s victoria falls rural peripheries

Abstract

Tourism development induces changes on the social character of a destination. Such changes affect the sustainable development of the destinationand the relationship between hostsnd tourists. The purpose of this study was to explore how tourism development is affecting the social carrying capacity of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Rural Peripheries. The study is premised on the Social Exchange Theory. Qualitative data was collected from twenty nine villagers and forty two tourists using a questionnaire in 2013. The results showed that 80% (n=30) of the villagers are of the opinion that the social carrying capacity of the area has been surpassed whilst 90% (n=42) tourists still believe that there is more room for tourism development in this area. It was therefore concluded that there is a mismatch between the perceptions of the local villagers and tourists regarding the social carrying capacity of Victoria Falls rural peripheries, indicative of the long standing debate around when sustainable development is sustainable and in whose opinion. As a policy recommendation, it is high time the relevant authorities involve local people in tourism development issues thereby helping in creating a moment of truth that is socially sustainable for both tourists and host communities.