Urbani izziv Volume 30, No. supplement, February 2019
: 24-36
(Articles)
doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2019-30-supplement-002
Author
Christian M. ROGERSON
School of Tourism & Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Johannesburg, South Africa
crogerson@uj.ac.za
Jayne M. ROGERSON
School of Tourism & Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Johannesburg, South Africa
jayner@uj.ac
Title
Emergent planning for South Africa's blue economy: Evidence from coastal and marine
tourism
Abstract
Ocean-based industries are in focus in terms of expanding debates and planning around the blue economy.
Against this backdrop the objective in this paper is to examine contemporary directions in South Africa
concerning planning for the blue economy as a whole and more specifically for the sector of coastal and marine
tourism. Using documentary analysis of official planning and strategic documents, South Africa’s blue economy
strategy, which is titled ‘Operation Phakisa’, is unpacked and critiqued. Attention shifts to examine current
directions and challenges of unfolding planning for the expanded development of coastal and marine tourism in
South Africa. It is shown that uneven spatial development characterises the existing coastal tourism economy.
Arguably, tourism planning is linked to Operation Phakisa which is being challenged for a number of
shortcomings, most importantly for prioritising investment attraction and economic growth stimulation over
issues about the conservation of maritime resources.
Key Words
blue economy, special planning, Operation Phakisa, coastal and marine tourism, South Africa