Multiple stakeholders’ perceptions of the impacts of a carnival in Cape Town

Abstract

Carnival events have become significant factors in tourism development and marketing initiatives of most destinations. The developments, in threefold, economic, socio-cultural and environmental experienced by host communities of tourism attractions and resorts result in the emergence of carnival events as critical destination products. The current research found that the selected stakeholders, particularly residents, businesses and event attendees’ perceptions are often overlooked although they are directly impacted by carnival events, especially when they reside (for residents and businesses) in close proximity to the event location. In addition, tourism businesses operating in the Green Point area, the place where the carnival parade takes place, were included in this study to ascertain their views about the Cape Town Carnival. In most cases, successful carnival events are underpinned by community support as well as the visitors or attendees to the event; therefore, it is crucial to examine stakeholders’ perceptions towards such events. The aim of this study was to determine how selected stakeholders (residents, businesses, and event attendees) perceive an annual cultural event, the Cape Town Carnival, hosted in a Cape Town suburb. It also sought to establish the overall value of this event following a triple bottom-line approach (economic, socio-cultural, and environmental). This investigation explored the perceptions and experiences of the residents, businesses, and event attendees in Green Point in relation to the carnival, as well as highlighting the positive and negative aspects of their experience. The research primarily adopted quantitative research approach by using three survey questionnaires (residents, businesses and event attendees) with both closed and open-ended questions. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24 and the findings were visually presented by the use of frequency tables and charts. The general findings indicated that the selected stakeholders were in favour of the Cape Town Carnival to continue being hosted in the Green Point area, although there were some issues that were viewed as the negative impacts of hosting this event. The study’s findings show that the event is perceived positively by the stakeholders even though some had reservations to the idea of the event continuing in the area. Community involvement and enhancing safety and security during event period were some of the recommendations that could see the event continuing flawlessly. The study notes the importance of event organisers to understand the three stakeholders since they contribute to the success of the event. However, even though there are many benefits that are likely to accrue to residents, businesses and event attendees associated with hosting an event of this magnitude, one should not overlook the negative impacts that are potentially connected to such a hosting since this informs how the stakeholders perceive the event.