Services

Tourism-related economic development assistance includes a variety of services designed to improve area’s ability to capitalise on natural, historical, and man-made resources. The centre will assist with research, technical assistance, training, consultation as well as be engaged in community projects/initiatives. Some examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tourism masterplans 
• Market segmentation 
• Market feasibility analysis 
• Economic feasibility and economic impact analysis 
• Training in responsible tourism 
• Training in adventure activities 
• Computer-based training such a reservation programmes  

CSTI will provide a series of strategic services through research, consultancy, education and training targeted to assist the tourism and hospitality industries. The centre is committed to excellence on a wide range of interdisciplinary tourism issues that are local, national and international in scope. The Centre draws on an array of outstanding resources:

• Staff members and research associates with strong academic credentials and in-depth knowledge and expertise in the social and behavioural sciences and business practices. 
• Nationally and internationally recognized faculty and research associates with publications in the leading academic journals in recreation, parks, ecotourism, event management, sport tourism, and hospitality industries. 
• Strong interdisciplinary research partnerships and affiliations with research associates within and external to TUT.  

8.1 Research & Collaboration
CSTI research projects will be responsive and will provide innovative solutions to the needs of destinations and industry partners from various sectors of the recreation, parks, sport, tourism, and hospitality industries.

The Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Innovation (CSTI) aligns its research agenda with the National Department of Tourism's priorities by focusing on key areas such as revolutionizing domestic tourism through community-based models and inclusive marketing strategies, addressing tourism demand and supply dynamics using big data and AI, and promoting transformation within the tourism value chain by integrating SMMEs and fostering equitable wealth distribution. The Centre also explores the tourism-transport interface by advocating for sustainable transport solutions and enhanced accessibility, while addressing tourism safety by developing crisis management frameworks and digital safety tools. Furthermore, CSTI prioritizes technological innovation by leveraging AR/VR, blockchain, and IoT to enhance tourism experiences and promote smart tourism hubs. By integrating these themes, CSTI fosters interdisciplinary research, sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation, ensuring meaningful contributions to national tourism priorities.

8.2 Consultancy & Strategic Planning
CSTI will aid and provide strategic direction to the public and private sectors on a variety of topics related to tourism planning, tourism marketing, and tourism development as well as hospitality Management. The Centre will work together with numerous organizations and businesses and provide a myriad of services such as; Needs Assessments, Destination Visioning, Development of Marketing Plans, Customer Service Quality and Evaluation, Stakeholder Collaboration, Specialised Data Collection and Research Methods targeted to Specific Objectives, and tourism entrepreneurship.  

8.3 Community Engagement

1. Activities should have outreach or community engagement as one of the main focal points
This emphasizes that the Centre’s activities, such as research, training, and programs, should actively involve and benefit the wider community. Outreach or community engagement refers to deliberate efforts to connect with, collaborate with, and support local communities and stakeholders beyond academia or industry. For example, this could include working with marginalized communities, hosting workshops or training for small businesses, or addressing societal challenges through tourism initiatives. The goal is to ensure that the Centre’s work directly contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities.

2. Contribution is made to socio-economic and community development 
This refers to the Centre's commitment to advancing the economic and social welfare of communities through its initiatives. "Socio-economic development" includes efforts to create jobs, improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and promote equitable growth in tourism. Community development encompasses strengthening social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering local populations. This could involve providing resources, knowledge, and tools to help small tourism enterprises thrive, fostering inclusive tourism practices, or supporting sustainable tourism projects that have a lasting positive impact on communities.

Together, these principles highlight the Centre's dedication to fostering sustainability not only in the tourism industry but also in the lives of the people and communities it serves. 

8.4 SLP’s, Education & Training
CSTI will facilitate a series of seminars and workshops based on the needs and collaboration of the respective organisation and/or business. The objective of education and training programs is to build and enhance current capacity with respect to employee capabilities and professional development. The Centre will provide numerous services such as: Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy; Ecotourism Development and Management; Research Design and Survey Methodologies; Importance-Performance Priority Goal Setting; Strategic Planning and Management; Customer Service Management; Short Learning Programs in partnership with the industry will be identified. This may include various computer-based short learning programmes such as the needed Social Media content development, Fidelio; Galileo; Summit, and Rendezvous among others.