SEEKING SUSTAINABLE ROCK ART TOURISM: THE EXAMPLE OF THE MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE

The aim of this paper is to go beyond a binary opposition approach that pits preservation against tourism development, and to determine the ways in which tourism can contribute to the preservation of rock art sites. The results presented derive from research conducted in the region of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UDP) of South Africa. We examine how an analysis of tourist practices and motivations can be used in the development of sustainable rock art tourism. Specific attention is paid to the identification of different types of visitors to the area, their reasons for visiting and their practices while there. Five main types of visitors were identified: 'hedonists', 'outdoor and sports tourists', 'information seekers', 'rock art enthusiasts' and 'general sightseers'. This understanding of the types of tourist visiting the UDP led us to determine a set of actions that might be taken to develop sustainable rock art tourism in the area. Finally, we consider the extent to which our approach and our recommendations hold lessons for those managing rock art in other areas.