TOURISM CONSTRAINTS OF UMLAZI TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS ...

The problem offinance needs special attention. The provision oflow cost holidays,the improvement of statutory arrangements for assisting those in need, theencouragement ofthe voluntary sector to provide holidays for deprived groups andenhanced responsibilities for the tourist boards to help those who are not able totravel may be a solution.Unfortunately, even for those who can afford tourism there are still other factors thatmay hinder them from enjoying their money on tourism. One of these factors isignorance. This is particularly true in black townships like Umlazi where peoplehave never been meaningfully exposed to this industry (White Paper, 1996) andwhere the illiteracy rate is said to be high (Official South African Local GovernmentYearbook 1997/1998).2.5.2 Lack of knowledge and awarenessThe movement ofpeople to various tourism destinations depends largely on theirawareness ofthe existence ofsuch destinations and ofthe variety ofamenities andactivities provided for them. Lack of awareness oftravel destinations that wouldbring pleasurable satisfaction is one ofthe major barriers to travel. In cases whereone is not familiar with travel destinations and activities oftravel in general, the fearofthe unknown becomes a major barrier to the enjoyment and excitement ofnewexperiences.Lack ofknowledge about travel destinations and activities is one thing, but lack ofknowledge about the whole concept oftourism is even more inhibiting. In SouthAfrica, blacks have been left out ofthe tourism industry in the past. They were notexposed to the industry and did not benefit from it. This lack ofinvolvement and24'.