Stakeholder perceptions on sustainability of tourism attractions development in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper aims to assess stakeholder views on sustainability of tourism developments taking place in Zimbabwe with emphasis on nature of attractions. In-depth interviews with randomly and conveniently selected twenty five domestic tourists and twenty tourism suppliers from Zimbabwe major commercial cities (Harare and Bulawayo) and major tourism destinations (Victoria Falls and Kariba) were held. Using thematic analysis built on NVivo 11 outputs, the study revealed three major themes. Firstly the need to develop new attractions, secondly physical alterations to existing attractions and thirdly noted threats to existing attractions as major highlights affecting the sustainability of tourism development in Zimbabwe. In conclusion tourism stakeholders perceive the development of tourism attractions in Zimbabwe as being under threat from the need to modernise compromising the long standing quality and quantity the destinations are known for. This also compromises the ability of future generations to enjoy these attractions in their original state.