Clustering tourists’ perceptions of Marine Protected Areas: A comparative study in Southern Africa

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for mitigating human pressure and conserving marine ecosystems, but their success in developing countries often depends on balancing conservation with socio-economic development, which requires users’ support. This study assessed and compared tourists’ perceptions of MPAs with case studies in South Africa and Mozambique, where nature-based tourism is vital for local economies. Using a quantitative, descriptive approach, data were collected in 2023 and 2024 from 504 tourists and recreationists at the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve in the Maputo National Park, Mozambique, and the Table Mountain National Park MPA, South Africa. Results indicated that while participants generally recognised the ecological value of MPAs, they held more positive views toward conservation benefits than socio-economic outcomes. Cluster analysis identified two primary stakeholder groups: Informed Supporters, who prevailed in the South African sample, and Sceptical or Passive Users, who prevailed in the Mozambican sample. The findings highlighted a critical need for management to implement communication strategies emphasising the social, economic, and cultural value of MPAs. Based on these insights, recommendations are provided for marketing, management, and future research to foster stakeholder support and sustainable social licence for marine conservation in Southern Africa.