The purpose of Niche Tourism – Emerging Trends in southern Africa is to provide students with foundational insight and practical understanding of the various types of niche tourism sectors within southern Africa. Each of these uniquely established niche tourism sectors contributes towards the development of the southern African tourism product and service offering and attracts large volumes of tourists annually to southern Africa.

Niche tourism has grown and expanded into various formats over the past few years. Within southern Africa there are unique tourism establishments that showcase how these niche tourism establishments contribute towards growing the economy, uplifting local communities, and conserving the natural and cultural heritage of southern Africa. 

The tourism industry in southern Africa offers various entrepreneurial opportunities for tourism graduates. The aim of this textbook is to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation on the respective niche tourism segments supported with current practical examples of how these niche tourism sectors operate, to enable graduates to establish their own niche tourism establishments. In doing so, graduates would be able to not only contribute towards the regional economy of southern Africa but also enable the resolution of socio-cultural challenges whilst conserving and protecting both the natural and cultural heritage of southern Africa.

Chapter 1: Introduction to niche tourism

Chapter 2: Business tourism

Chapter 3: Volunteer tourism

Chapter 4: Sport tourism

Chapter 5: Adventure tourism

Chapter 6: Ecotourism

Chapter 7: Geotourism

Chapter 8: Agritourism

Chapter 9: Gastronomy 

Chapter 10: Cultural tourism

Chapter 11: Dark tourism

Chapter 12: The future of tourism and hospitality 

Students studying towards a qualification in the fields of:

• Tourism, Hospitality and Travel at either Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s level.
• Courses in tourism, hospitality and travel at TVET colleges