Tourism at a Crossroads in the Age of Climate Change in Bojanala Platiunum District Municipality, Northwest South Africa: Crises of Adaptation and Mitigation

Climate change research is fast growing, with increasing information on the relationshipbetween climate change and tourism. Globally, tourism is sensitive to climate, meaning that the effects of climate change may change tourism flow and demand. Developing countries are those most affected by climate change. The consequence for tourism is disturbing as this sector contributes greatly to their economies. South African tourism depends on its environment to attract tourists; climatic change is a threat to the environment; therefore this is a major concern for South Africa. This article examines the perceptions of climate change threats within the tourism industry in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality in NorthwestProvince by exploring how perceptions can influence behaviour and how the tourism industry responds to a changing climate. The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality is dependent on its local tourism sector to drive its economy. While both the tourists and tourism operators are aware of the threat of climate change and are concerned about its impacts, there are no or very few adaptations and mitigation measures being implemented. The lack of climate change planning to deal with these impacts is likely associated with perception. The tourism sector establishments consider it is the responsibility of the government to respond to climate change. This will have implications beyond Bonjanala Platinum District.