| Summary: | The primary goal of the study was to determine the tourism and leisure needs of high
school learners in Potchefstroom. This goal was achieved by firstly conducting a literature
study to analyse leisure and tourist behaviour as stated in books, articles and other
sources. Secondly, the results of the empirical research were discussed followed by the
conclusions and recommendations made with regard to further research.
From the literature study, analysing leisure behaviour, the concepts leisure and recreation
were clarified, the concept leisure behaviour was explained, reasons why people engage in
leisure were identified, factors that influence leisure behaviour were discussed, theories
concerning leisure behaviour were discussed, determinants as well as benefits of leisure
were identified. In the second part of the literature study, analysing tourist behaviour, the
concept tourist behaviour was clarified, models regarding tourist behaviour was explained,
tourist motivation to travel was explained, reasons why people travel was discussed, the
travel decision-making process was explained and benefits as well as negative tourism
impacts were identified.
The questionnaire for the survey was designed to determine the tourism, leisure and
recreation needs of the high school learners in Potchefstroom. The questionnaire included
questions regarding the high school learner's demographic profile and psychographic
profile, the leisure and tourist needs and behaviour of the high school learners and
questions to determine the relationship between different aspects. The survey included six
high schools in Potchefstroom and 1036 questionnaires was used for further statistical
analysis. The questionnaires was distributed after a meeting with the school's headmaster
was arranged. The school was responsible for the distribution and collection of the
questionnaires.
After analysing the data it was clear that the high school learners are regularly bored in
Potchefstroom and there is a need for more tourism, leisure and recreational activities in
Potchefstroom. The high school learners are willing to support more activities financially. It
was also evident that high school learners are more interested in leisure than in sport and
do not have much leisure-time available. Their travelling patterns indicate that the majority
of the learners go on holiday with their parents and they prefer the Western Cape as
holiday destinations. A correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between
gender and various aspects as well as the relationship between race and the same factors.
The following factors were identified, namely: there is a strong relationship between gender
and sport. As for the correlations between schools of different race and the same factors,
the only correlation that was not strong, was the relationship between race and sport. The
strong relationships existed between race and leisure preferences; race and travelling
patterns and race and holiday company preferences.
The results of the empirical research can firstly provide valuable information for
researchers on the subjects of adolescence, leisure, tourism and recreation. Secondly the
information can help the public and private sectors in the tourism, leisure and recreation
industries to provide more activities, facilities and entertainment in Potchefstroom that will
appeal to the high school market. === Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
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