Abstract
M.Comm. (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
Community-based tourism is increasingly being developed and promoted as a means of
reducing poverty in developing countries whereby the needs of local communities are met
through the offering of a tourism product. The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) with the
support of the European Union Fund has made significant contributions to the development of
community-based tourism in Swaziland enabling rural communities to successfully develop
tourist attractions. However, whilst many community-based tourism ventures have been
established in developing countries, their operations have not been monitored properly. The
same scenario exists in Swaziland where, at the operational level, when the projects are
completely left in the hands of the communities, these projects seem to lack the drive and
stagnate. It is apparent that most of these community-based tourism ventures are faced with a
number of challenges at operational level. This study, therefore, investigated these operational
challenges facing community-based tourism in Swaziland. The study used the mixed methods
research design whereby qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group
interviews and participant observation. Quantitative data was collected from visitors to
community-based tourism ventures through questionnaires. From the findings of the study, it
was clear that operational challenges ranged from poor management to lack of operational
resources and impatient communities among others. The report concludes by stating
recommendations to possible solutions to these operational challenges.