Heritage and tourism planning for Cape Town’s inner-city Bo-Kaap neighbourhood

Abstract

 The workings and effects of the urban and tourism regulatory landscape on the residents of the heritage precinct of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa are scrutinised. Bearing historical legacies of successive land dispossession, the Bo-Kaap has become a focal point of urban and tourism development, leading to a profound transformation of the physical and social landscape. Findings are based upon the qualitative research undertaken with various stakeholders and interest groups, including 22 semi-structured interviews, supplemented by analysis of policy documents and participant observation. It is demonstrated that urban and tourism development is not being effectively leveraged for its transformative potential. Despite vehement opposition, seemingly progressive heritage policies, and democratic processes, incongruent development approvals continue. Unfettered, unmanaged tourism growth results in residents experiencing many of the hallmarks of overtourism. Tourism planning efforts have been criticised for being anaemic and divorced from broader community needs.