Investigating the physical infrastructural aspects as determinants of tourism development in South African cities: a case of Mahikeng

ABSTRACT This study investigated physical infrastructural aspects as determinants of tourism development in Mahikeng, the provincial capital city of the North West Province. Using existing literature, physical infrastructural aspects necessary for tourism development in a city were identified. Through the creation and testing of hypotheses, insight into each identified physical infrastructural aspect in relation to tourism development in Mahikeng is presented. A total population sampling technique was used, and 62 of the 70 tourism businesses in Mahikeng responded to an online survey. The data was analysed, using SPSS, and descriptive results and a structural equation model (SEM) were developed. From the SEM model, the results indicated that fibre internet infrastructure is the biggest determinant of tourism development in Mahikeng. This was followed by basic service infrastructure, transport infrastructure and supporting infrastructure. As this study is the first to be done in Mahikeng, the results highly contribute to provincial and municipal governments attempt to initiate new development projects aiding in tourism development in this city.