Backpacker tourism in South Africa: its role in an uneven tourism space economy

Abstract

This paper focuses on the recent proliferation of backpacker establishments in South Africa and their potential contribution to development. Despite the rapid expansion of backpacker hostels, little is known about this industry in South Africa. The research reported in the paper seeks to address the absence of academic reflection on backpacker tourism, particularly in terms of its impact on development. It is suggested that, on the whole, backpacker tourists and backpacker hostels can make a valuable contribution towards the development of the South African tourism system in general and towards economic development in particular.