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Abstract

The dissertation addresses a paradox: tourism was introduced in the towns of Elmina and Cape Coast in the Sub-Saharan African country of Ghana more than 15 years ago as a tool for economic development, poverty reduction and the preservation of three World Heritage Sites - the Elmina or St Georges’ Castle, Fort St Jago (Elmina), and the Cape Coast or Carolsburg Castle (Cape Coast). These sites were created by foreign conquerors during the 400 year transatlantic slave trade. However, its benefits are distributed unequally and the sites are not properly preserved. One of the reasons is that the emphasis is placed on higher gross returns of foreign exchange earnings, and a greater visitor numbers, with little attention given to maximising net benefits to poor communities, and without a clear strategy of how tourism growth should contribute to poverty reduction. Ironically, in the field of development, many people argue that tourism has the potential to bring more equitable, sustainable, and even net benefits to local people (Ashley et al. 2000; 2001a, b; 2002; Burns 1999a; 2004a; de Kadt 1979a, b). This argument forms the basis of the present study.

Available Versions of this Item

• Development, Equality, and Participation: Socially Responsible Tourism through Capacity Building. (deposited 25 Jan 2009 11:46)
  • Development, Equality, and Participation: Socially Responsible Tourism through Capacity Building. (deposited 29 Aug 2009 19:08) [Currently Displayed]