A Post-Pandemic Perspective of Domestic Nature-based Tourism in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Nature-based tourism is arguably the most significant subsector within the South African tourism industry. However, the nature-based tourism sector in South Africa has remained largely divided, dependent on white South Africans and international tourists despite the fall of the segregationist apartheid government nearly 30 years ago. Recently however and particularly post the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict lockdown conditions, there has been a noticeable increase in the uptake of nature-based tourism among Black domestic tourists. Much research has noted that in the post-pandemic context domestic tourism is emerging as more significant since international tourism has not recovered to its pre-pandemic levels. Thus, this study researched domestic tourists, visiting nature-based destinations in Mpumalanga, South Africa during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Both in-person interviews and an online survey were conducted. Accessibility, affordability and the availability of self-catering accommodation emerge as significant pull factors for domestic tourists. The data analysis for this study was segmented, with adventure tourist activities emerging as significant for the Black South African tourists and Kruger National Park forming the highlight for the white respondents. The results provide important insights into the dynamics of South African nature tourists, their travel patterns, motivations and experiences, which can assist in tourism planning and development.