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Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series

Municipal caravan parks in South Africa: geography, management and planning
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Municipal caravan parks in South Africa: geography, management and planning

Authors

  • Christian M. Rogerson University of Johannesburg
  • Jayne M. Rogerson University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism & Hospitality, Bunting Road Campus, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; phone +27-11-559-1167

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/bog-2020-0027

Keywords

caravan parks, municipal assets, spatial distribution, South Africa, caravan park management and planning

Abstract

Caravan parks are a largely overlooked theme in tourism scholarship. In South Africa, as in several other countries, local governments assumed an historical role in the establishment of caravan parks.   Municipal caravan parks are assets which could be leveraged for tourism growth and local development. The planning and management of caravan parks in South Africa can be understood as an element of asset management by local governments. It is shown that across most of South Africa municipal ownership of caravan parks is of declining significance as compared to the dominance of privately owned parks. The coastal province of the Western Cape is the biggest focus for caravanning and for the location of all caravan parks, including for the largest cluster of municipal owned caravan parks in South Africa. Research interviews were conducted with local stakeholders concerning contemporary planning and management of caravan parks. The results reveal that most local municipalities currently are struggling to manage appropriately and optimally maximise for local development the operations of municipal caravan parks. Many municipalities are considering different options for privatisation through selling off or leasing parks to private sector investors.

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Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series

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Published

2020-09-01

How to Cite

1.
ROGERSON, Christian M. and ROGERSON, Jayne M. Municipal caravan parks in South Africa: geography, management and planning. Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series. Online. 1 September 2020. Vol. 49, no. 49, pp. 109-124. [Accessed 8 July 2025]. DOI 10.2478/bog-2020-0027.
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