COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREA OF TSATSANE LESOTHO
COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREA OF TSATSANE LESOTHO

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigated community perceptions of tourism development and identified their relationship between tourism development projects and business opportunities in Tsatsane community, Lesotho. This investigation was done using a qualitative research method to understand the relationship between respondents perceptions of tourism development projects and associated business opportunities. Using purposive random sampling techniques, 30 respondents—19 community members, 2 community leaders, and 9 stakeholders—were chosen and interrogated. After the choice, both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire that was constructed. While collecting quantitative data by email, the qualitative data used a self-administered questionnaire conducted in-person. Thematic analysis was used to organize the themes that emerged from the replies after they were received. Using Atlas Ti.8, similar themes were gathered and transferred. The study finds a statistically significant relationship between tourism development projects and recurrent themes like new knowledge of tourism-related business opportunities like job creation, increased trade, and education. About 5% of respondents have different opinions.

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