TOURISM EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DYNAMICS IN WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

This study takes on a micro-institutional perspective to examine tourism employment and entrepreneurship dynamics within a complex socio-political and environmental Transfrontier Conservation Area context, using three destinations across Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Drawing insights from in-depth interviews with tourism businesses, governing authorities, and community organisations, the study highlights how institutional structures shape employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. The findings reveal that while residents are employed in hospitality and conservation-related roles, their participation remains limited to specific roles in tourism. Moreover, despite the growth in local tourism enterprises, these ventures show a lack of diversification, often replicating existing business models. Skills development initiatives exist but are largely ad hoc, addressing immediate business needs rather than fostering longterm growth and innovation. The study advocates the need to critically reassess how employment and entrepreneurship are conceptualised and supported in wildlife tourism in southern Africa and provide insights for the long-term planning of wildlife tourism in fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient industry.