Examining military heritage tourism as a niche tourism market in the South African context

Military events have significantly influenced history, and this is why military heritage is considered to be extremely important. Many of the most significant events shaping history have associations with national defence and conflict across the globe. Preserving military heritage helps us to comprehend important societal ideals and traditions. Every country is unique with regards to its military heritage. Military heritage tourism serves as a way for people with vested interest therein or simply the casual and curious among us to learn more about a countries military history. Military heritage tourism exists because of people with similar interests who come together to honour and celebrate their shared military heritage. Much will be drawn from the well-researched field of heritage tourism and its success as a tool of mediation in mending a nation with a controversial and bloody colonial past. The purpose of this paper is to determine what military heritage entails and in which forms it is practiced. South Africa has an abundance of military heritage sites which includes inter alia, battlefields, museums, memorials, monuments, festivals, events, re-enactors, re-enactments and private military collectors. In an effort to determine the potential of military heritage tourism as a niche market in the South African context the author will analyse each component of military heritage tourism, provide South African examples of each, explain their importance and the context in which they support one another. The paper will ultimately hopefully lay the foundation for greater military heritage and make recommendations with regard to future research needed on military heritage tourism in South Africa so as to drive the sustainability of heritage as such.