TOURISM CONSTRAINTS OF UMLAZI TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS ...

transition that is accompanied by peace can truly make a good start in the buildingof a New South Africa - the Rainbow Nation, as declared by President NelsonMandela in his inaugural speech in 1994.Since the travel and tourism industry has been recognised as an instrument forbringing about peace, South Africans would benefit from it during this time oftransition. Each person, either as a tourist or a host, can contribute to the transitionby extending a hand in friendship. In so doing, the message ofpeace can permeatethrough all those who are involved in tourism. Well designed and properlydeveloped tourism has the potential to bridge the gap that separate people of diverseraces, colours, different stages of social and economic development.All thesepeople can come to appreciate the rich human, cultural and ecological diversity thatis offered by our world mosaic to evolve mutual trust and respect for one anotherand the dignity ofall life on earth (Van Harssel, 1994). Tourism can do much goodfor the Umlazi township residents because they have suffered this isolation.In the case of domestic tourism the effect is even greater because domestic tourismcan act as an integrating force for strengthening national sentiment. By travellingto different parts ofthe same country, people begin to experience pride in theirnational heritage and a sense of national unity mighthelp to prevent regionalfragmentation.Visits to national historical monuments, stately homes and ancient battle fields cando much in the long run to create a sense ofthe past and strengthen the politicalunity of a country.If the individual characteristics and identities of the variousregions are not submerged and lost, such travel can benefit both tourists and hostsalike (Archer, 1995).I7'.