Transforming Marginalised Communities through Tourism

Abstract

This research explores the possibility of transforming the marginalized communities in Zimbabwe through inclusive tourism development. Desktop research was utilised for this study. The study mainly engaged textual analysis for data analysis. The case study of the Doma people in north –central Zimbabwe (Dande area) and the Tshwa San people in western Zimbabwe (Tsholotsho district) have been used. These are some of the marginalized minority communities in the countries who are located at tourism destinations yet they are not involved in the activities and are ailing with poverty. Three theories have been examined for the implementation of the transformingstrategy and Arnstein (1969)’s Stakeholder involvement eight step ladder model has been adopted.The findings are that there is high potential of tourism development if the activities and attractions are linked with the traditional ways of living of the identified communities. The approach to business must be more of facilitation than involvement of the beneficiaries in the existing structures of the developmental initiators who will eventually manipulate them and hold power of decision in their hands and then fear resistance and antagonism from these marginalized and sensitive communities. In the recommendations it was noted that there is need of serious awareness campaigns among the targeted beneficiaries to educate them on the benefits of the transformation but with caution not to distort their traditional culture. The Private Public partners must work together for the selfless fulfilment of the agenda through resource mobilization and setting conducive developmental environment for the hosts’ voluntary participation in the intervention