Showing papers by "Christian M. Rogerson published in 2009"

Mega-events and small enterprise development: the 2010 FIFA World Cup opportunities and challenges.

Abstract: A mega-event can be a catalyst for long-term outcomes for its host locality or country. Such events are thus of growing importance in the global economy. However, scholarship on mega-events has paid little attention to their implications for small enterprise development. This article addresses the way scholarship dealing with sport mega-events has neglected the small tourism firms. It examines the planning for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. A key objective of the 2010 tourism planning is to spread the opportunities offered by this event widely, so as to include small tourism enterprises rather than just the large ones that control and dominate South Africa's tourism economy. The article presents evidence from a range of sources to highlight several challenges national government must deal with to achieve this goal.

Re-thinking Spatial Inequalities in South Africa: Lessons from International Experience

Abstract: Questions relating to the causes and responses to spatial inequalities are attracting renewed international focus. Uncertainty exists in South Africa as to appropriate responses to persistent and deep-rooted spatial inequalities in the country. This article analyses international research into patterns and causes of spatial inequality to inform policy debates on addressing spatial inequality in contemporary South Africa.

The Turn to ‘New Regionalism’: South African Reflections

Abstract: This article analyses critical policy implications for city-regional and national spatial frameworks in South Africa concerning the turn to new regionalism. International debates are reviewed concerning new regionalism, global city regions, the European Spatial Development Perspective and polycentric mega regions. In South Africa, there is a growing policy interest in the writings and implications of new regionalism as a base for rethinking urban and regional development policies. It is argued that the current depth of South African research and debate on issues raised by new regionalism is limited and that strategic planning for the building of Gauteng as a globally competitive city region is the most significant imprint of new regionalism on the South African policy landscape.

Integrating SMMEs into value chains : the role of South Africa's Tourism Enterprise Programme

Abstract: International experience shows that a key challenge for the development; enhanced market access; and potential competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) is to deepen their integration into industry value chains. The goal of this article is to analyse the role and changing activities of one South African support programme for SMME development, the Tourism Enterprise Programme, which is committed to integrating SMMEs into tourism value chains.

The locational behaviour of foreign direct investment: evidence from Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract: This article represents a contribution to the limited scholarship on understanding the locational behaviour of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa. Against a background review of international research and debates on locational decision-making of foreign investors at both international (particularly within the developing world) and national scales of analysis, the profile and patterns of foreign investment in Johannesburg are documented and the key factors influencing investor location choice are analysed. Although investors from 34 countries are represented in Johannesburg, the leading ten investor countries, headed by USA, Germany and UK, account for 85% of all investments. An emerging trend is for the growth of FDI from India, China and the Middle East. Reasons given by foreign investors for selecting Johannesburg as an investment destination largely mirror the international experience of location decision-making by foreign investors. Johannesburg is shown to be the preferred choice for business operation both in South Africa and the broader southern African region because of several agglomeration factors which relate to the city's position as economic hub, financial centre and core market of southern Africa.

Local Investment Incentives for Urban Economic Development: Recent Debates in South African Cities

Abstract: The importance of improving the local business environment is an issue of central concern for municipal authorities in South Africa This article explores debates around territorial competition through the application of local investment incentives The paper analyses unfolding South African debates concerning the possible introduction of local investment incentives through the policy experience of two South African cities, namely Durban and Cape Town It is concluded that South African cities must be aware of the key lessons from international experience and formulate carefully crafted or ‘smart’ investment incentive policies In particular, the introduction of investment incentives should not be a substitute for dealing with other fundamental aspects of the local business environment which impact upon investment decision-making

Youth tourism in South Africa : the example of backpacking

Abstract: Youth tourism is a growing phenomenon in the international tourism economy. One key dimension of youth tourism is backpacking. As a result of apartheid imposed sanctions, South Africa is a latecomer to the global industry of backpacking. This article analyses the emergence, organization, and developmental potential of backpacker tourism in South Africa. With growing national government support for backpacking in South Africa, a key finding is that backpacker tourism can be a lever for promoting local economic development in undeveloped and peripheral tourism regions.