Pro-Poor Tourism in Alexandra Since 1994

Tourism has increasingly been viewed as an important means to challenge poverty especially in developing countries. Since the beginning of democracy in South Africa the African National Congress(ANC) government has emphasised the importance of overcoming poverty and identified tourism as an important intervention in pursuit of this objective. This study assesses “pro-poor” tourism initiatives in Alexandra Township since 1994 with particular focus on the arts and crafts at St Michael's Church and SA Jewel. It will investigate whether projects similar to bead craft initiated at the same time with the same objectives have benefited the residents of Alexandra. Finally the study will consider if tourism initiatives being implemented in Alexandra conform to ‘sustainable development’ objectives. The research reviews the literature on Tourism Development domestically and Local Economic Development. Furthermore the report extends to literature reviews specifically in Sustainable Tourism and Pro-Poor Tourism its definitions and its examples in the tourism industry. It examines the various arguments for tourism development and alleviating poverty through these initiatives.