Determinants of satisfactory shark tourism experiences from the participants' perspective in Gansbaai, South Africa

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction
• II. Literature review
  • 1. Definition of key terms
    • 1.1. TripAdvisor
    • 1.2. Tour operator
    • 1.3. Wildlife tourism
      • 1.3.1. Introduction
      • 1.3.2. Shark tourism
        • 1.3.2.1. Classification within wildlife tourism
        • 1.3.2.2. Development of shark tourism
        • 1.3.2.3. Forms of shark diving tourism
        • 1.3.2.4. Value of shark tourism
      • 1.3.3. The controversy in wildlife tourism
    • 1.4. Satisfaction and tourism
      • 1.4.1. Customer satisfaction
      • 1.4.2. Wildlife tourism satisfaction
  • III. Methodology
    • 2. Site of research: Gansbaai, South Africa
      • 2.1. Introduction
      • 2.2. Gansbaai's shark tourism industry
        • 2.2.1. Current tour operators
        • 2.2.2. Shark tour itinerary
        • 2.2.3. Target market
    • 3. Method
      • 3.1. Qualitative content analysis
      • 3.2. Inductive approach
      • 3.3. TripAdvisor data collection
  • IV. Findings
    • 4. Results
    • 5. Discussion
      • 5.1. Introduction
      • 5.2. The most influential factors affecting on-site visitor satisfaction
        • 5.2.1. Tour operator's interpersonal and intellectual skills
        • 5.2.2. Great white shark sightings
        • 5.2.3. Prior expectations
        • 5.2.4. Viewing quality and participant quantity
        • 5.2.5. Personal well-being and self-fulfilment
        • 5.2.6. Sense of community

  Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

  This study aims to identify the factors that influence visitor satisfaction in the shark tourism industry in Gansbaai, South Africa, based on TripAdvisor reviews. The study uses qualitative content analysis conducted inductively to understand what determines a satisfactory shark experience and what limits it.

  • The impact of the declining great white shark population on visitor satisfaction.
  • The role of TripAdvisor reviews in shaping visitor expectations and satisfaction.
  • The importance of tour operator skills and experience in influencing visitor satisfaction.
  • The influence of factors such as shark sightings, prior expectations, and viewing conditions on visitor satisfaction.
  • The impact of personal well-being and a sense of community on overall visitor satisfaction.

  Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

  • Introduction: The introduction provides an overview of the shark tourism industry in Gansbaai, South Africa, and the importance of understanding visitor satisfaction in this context. It highlights the declining great white shark population and its potential impact on the industry, as well as the growing reliance on online reviews like TripAdvisor for travel decisions.
  • Literature Review: This chapter defines key terms, including "TripAdvisor," "tour operator," and "wildlife tourism," with a particular focus on shark tourism. It explores the development of shark tourism, different forms of shark diving, and the value of the industry. The chapter also addresses the controversy surrounding wildlife tourism and examines customer satisfaction and its relevance to wildlife tourism.
  • Methodology: The methodology chapter outlines the research site (Gansbaai, South Africa) and provides details about the shark tourism industry in the area, including current tour operators, typical tour itineraries, and the target market. It describes the qualitative content analysis methodology, the inductive approach used, and the process of collecting data from TripAdvisor reviews.
  • Findings: This chapter presents the results of the qualitative content analysis of TripAdvisor reviews, identifying the key themes and patterns related to visitor satisfaction in the shark tourism industry.
  • Discussion: The discussion chapter analyzes the findings, exploring the most influential factors affecting on-site visitor satisfaction in Gansbaai. It examines the impact of tour operator skills, great white shark sightings, prior expectations, viewing quality, participant quantity, personal well-being, and a sense of community on overall satisfaction.

  Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

  This study focuses on the impact of declining great white shark populations on visitor satisfaction in the shark tourism industry, specifically in Gansbaai, South Africa. Key themes include visitor satisfaction, TripAdvisor reviews, tour operator skills, shark sightings, prior expectations, viewing quality, and the importance of sustainable tourism practices. The research uses qualitative content analysis to explore these concepts and understand the factors that contribute to a positive shark tourism experience.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Why is Gansbaai known as the shark cage diving capital?

  Gansbaai is unique because it offers one of the few places on earth where humans can interact with great white sharks at close range, attracting international tourists despite the existence of many other shark tourism sites.

  How does the declining shark population affect tourism?

  The decline in great white shark sightings has a profound impact on visitor satisfaction. Reviews show that witnessing these specific sharks is the primary expectation for most participants.

  What factors determine a satisfactory shark tourism experience?

  Key factors include successful shark sightings, the interpersonal and intellectual skills of the tour operator, prior expectations, viewing quality, and a sense of community among participants.

  Why is TripAdvisor important for the tourism industry?

  Potential participants rely heavily on the experiences of previous visitors to navigate the plethora of services. For operators, it provides vital insights into consumer satisfaction and areas for sustainable improvement.

  Is shark cage diving controversial?

  Yes, the study touches upon the controversy in wildlife tourism, balancing the economic value and conservation awareness against potential impacts on animal behavior and ecosystems.