The contribution of tourism planning to local development at Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Clarens

Abstract

This article emphasises the major principles underlying tourism development. The case study highlights the most important factors that impact on tourism development and the critical role of town and regional planners in the process of enhancing social and economic development in rural districts. Current theoretical perspectives in the field are applied to three towns, Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Clarens in the Eastern Free State, and recommendations to strengthen their position as tourism destinations are also included.