The role of formal tourism institutions in empowering communities: A case sway of Visit Stellenbosch, South Africa

Community-based tourism (CBT) shows promise for facilitating community empowerment, which may be enhanced when CBT enterprises are coupled with formal tourism institutions. Still, there is limited research on the role formal tourism institutions play in promoting resident participation in CBT development. This qualitative case study utilized content analysis of semi-structured interviews, archival documents, and data reporting on CBT initiatives in the communities of Stellenbosch Central, Kayamandi, Cloetesville, Kylemore, and Pniel. Results revealed that the formal tourism institution, Visit Stellenbosch was effectively brokering power between residents and CBT enterprises by: 1) providing access to municipal funding; 2) providing skills development, mentorship, and business support; 3) creating social networks, and; 4) creating invited spaces for participation. However, CBT development in Stellenbosch was characterized by complex power relationships. Nonparticipation due to geographic marginalization and signs of tokenism in resident participation in CBT development presented challenges to resident empowerment.