Tourism Economic Diversification Scoping Study Coalfields Region

In the Mpumalanga Coalfields region, it is estimated that up to 120 000 jobs in the coal mining, energy generation and petrochemical production industries could be affected by the move away from fossil fuels (Patel, 2020). Economic diversification is required to mitigate these job losses. Elsewhere in the world, tourism and recreation (a linked industry) are prominent sectors in post-mining economic diversification. They also warrant consideration in the Coalfields; however, little data currently exists on the characteristics and segments of the tourism sector in the region. To address this gap, this research report reviews secondary research on tourism in the province; considers findings from an online survey of tourism firms (certain of which operate in the area); draws on in depth semi structured expert interviews; undertakes a synthesis of literature on tourism as a sector for economic diversification in other post-mining regions, and includes a limited number of case studies. It concludes with a discussion on possible approaches to tourism development in the Coalfields.