TY - CHAP AB - Abstract Nearly two decades into South Africa’s democracy, this chapter describes the most recent policy and strategy initiatives to ensure sustainable development and to enhance the country’s tourism competitiveness. It discusses the key national tourism policies, plans, and strategies, which together provide the framework for tourism development and management in the country. The importance of balancing a “top-down” framework with “bottom-up” local engagement is emphasized as a cornerstone of South Africa’s future tourism journey. In line with the philosophy that “structure should follow strategy”, the institutional framework to manage tourism during the next planning period is outlined. The discussion concludes with the critical success factors to enhance South Africa’s future sustainable tourism competitiveness. VL - 5 SN - 978-0-85724-680-6, 978-0-85724-679-0/2042-1443 DO - 10.1108/S2042-144320140000006021 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/S2042-144320140000006021 AU - Heath Ernie PY - 2014 Y1 - 2014/01/01 TI - South Africa’s Tourism Development Journey T2 - Tourism as an Instrument for Development: A Theoretical and Practical Study T3 - Bridging Tourism Theory and Practice PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 281 EP - 299 Y2 - 2024/04/20 ER -