Indicators of small town tourism development potential: the case of Fouriesburg, South Africa

Abstract

This paper is interested in the small town of Fouriesburg in South Africa's Free State. While the town was once a thriving service centre for a surrounding agricultural region, this traditional economy has faded. Given that the nearby town of Clarens has developed a substantial tourism economy, we pose the question of whether there are already indicators that Fouriesburg may be poised for similar change. The findings suggest that, while Fouriesburg has potential for developing a tourism-oriented economy, many of the important policy and planning supports needed to assist with diversification are not yet in place.