Cultural heritage regeneration of District Six: a creative tourism approach

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining whether the potential exists for further developing cultural and heritage tourism activities in the redeveloping District Six. A rich and diverse cultural heritage provides the basis from which the study examines whether the implementation of a cultural heritage tourism plan in the redeveloping area, is appropriate, will help address issues of restitution and ultimately contribute to the country’s cultural heritage tourism assets. Currently no formal tourism plan for District Six exists. A historical study provides an assessment of the areas’ cultural heritage assets, manifested in politics, music and dance, art, literature, and architecture. A search of existing cultural and heritage tourism literature was conducted in order to gain insight into the descriptive, theoretical and conceptual research questions identified. Relevant development policies and frameworks impacting and supporting potential tourism development in the area were examined. These include the DFD6 (2011) and the National Heritage Tourism Strategy (2012). Creative tourism was further examined as a tool to augment the tourism product and positively contribute to cultural regeneration. Business and functional linkages to assist the integration of District Six tourism into the broader economy were then identified. A comparative analysis of the introduction of a cultural heritage tourism plan in Genadendal is made. This area experienced similar socio- political and historical conditions as District Six. Thus, parallels of the potential challenges were drawn and opportunities identified. A theoretical model for cultural heritage tourism in District Six is then presented by identifying and explaining elements of model theory, discussing models applicable to the research area and adapting a normative framework for cultural heritage tourism on the Cape Flats. The model recommends solutions to problems such as a lack of capacity and skills, funding and investment, public participation and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, an empirical survey in the form of in-depth interviews was administered to seventeen relevant academics, heritage and tourism practitioners, resident representatives and development consultants. The methodology included extracting qualitative data through transcribing interviews and thematically presenting and analysing the data. Finally, a list of recommendations is provided.