TOURISM CONSTRAINTS OF UMLAZI TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS ...

Tourism can have a variety ofobjectives - scenic, historic, educational, recreational,and so on, and all this is highly enriching. For them, too, programmes that aresuitable for the elderly can be established to enable them to enjoy tourism.In modem societies both spouses in a family are usually employed. Children areattending school - some away from home. This type offamily does not have enoughtime to spend together as a family. Tourism brings about opportunities for parentsand children to spend time together. Because the time spent in tourism is free frommost of the pressures and concerns ofdaily life, it tends to be quality time that canresult in an improved quality oflife for the families.Another way in which tourism can improve the quality oflife of individuals is bystatus and social enhancement amongst one's peers. This can be gained on the basisofthe holiday taken - the mode oftransport used, the destination chosen, the formof accommodation used and also the activities enjoyed (Ryan, 1991). The abilityto travel and the type of holidays one enjoys, puts one somewhere up the socialladder when referring to his lifestyle. This confirms one's self identity and one'sposition amongst one's peers. Prestige and a feeling of self worth is gained thisway. The person's social position and status gets somehow enhanced.Even to the host community, tourism has a beneficial effect of improving theirstandard of living - hence their quality of life.This happens in the form ofenhancements in infrastructure that mighthave been initially intended for thetourists in mind. Examples of these could be improvements on roads, recreationfacilities, catering services, and other services.14"