Abstract
This study investigated the factors influencing collaborative governance between the public and
private sectors in tourism. Employing an explorative qualitative research approach, in-depth, semistructured
interviews were conducted with stakeholders in the tourism sector to explore
participants’ experiences and insights regarding the barriers to effective collective governance. The
data were analysed thematically to extract key concepts aligned with the study objectives. The
findings suggest that lack of transformation in tourism and hospitality, corrupt practices, legal and
regulatory bottlenecks, divergent interests, and a lack of trust among stakeholders inhibit effective
collaborative governance in the tourism industry. The study makes a modest contribution to the
discourse surrounding collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors of tourism
within emerging economy contexts.