Die rol van plaaslike owerhede in die bevordering van toerisme: 'n historiese perspektief en toekomsriglyne vir die Vrystaat

Abstract

Economic activities in most of the cities/towns of the Free State are largely based on slow-growing industries. Available resources for broadening these economic activities indicate limited potential in each of the various sectors of the local economies.
In global terms tourism is experienced as an industry which can have an important impact on the economic growth and development of countries and regions. The question arises whether tourism can also be utilised as a factor for improving the economic growth and development potential of the Free State in general and the various cities and towns of the province in particular?
Up to date the tourist industry in the Free State cannot be regarded as a factor that has any real impact on the economy of the province. Research indicated that the majority of cities and towns in the province possess sufficient tourist attractions and supporting facilities to serve as a basis for the promotion of the local tourist industry.
Against this background, the primary purpose of this article is to indicate which innovative steps, compared to the past, must be taken by local authorities as generators of development in cities/towns, in order to ensure a full exploitation of the tourist industry of the Free State in such a manner that the province will derive maximum economic benefit from it.