Heritage tourism in the global South: Development impacts of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, South Africa

A state-led heritage tourism initiative at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in South Africa has not yet achieved its potential for driving local development, despite being designed as a pro-poor growth strategy. The study analyzes this major infrastructure-driven project, which aimed to boost economic and social benefits in a marginalized region. While heritage tourism is increasingly important for local economies globally, particularly in the global South, this research finds that current impacts fall short of expectations. The analysis likely relied on quantitative or qualitative data collection methods to assess development outcomes, though specific details are not provided.

Rogerson, C. M., & van der Merwe, C. D. (2015). Heritage tourism in the global South: Development impacts of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, South Africa. Local Economy: The Journal of the Local Economy Policy Unit, 31(1-2), 234–248. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094215614270