Towards a conceptual framework for the rural tourism development process in South Africa: a literature review

Rural tourism development plays a central role in diversifying and revitalising traditional rural economies by strategically leveraging cultural and natural resources, with community engagement as a foundational principle. This study addresses the fragmented nature of existing research by conducting a qualitative literature review to develop a clear conceptual framework for the rural tourism development process. Through a document analysis of 31 articles published in South Africa between 2021 and 2025, the study constructs a comprehensive model that divides the development process into three stages: planning, implementation, and management. The framework emphasises community involvement, private-public partnerships, and equitable benefit sharing as core elements, and advocates for the inclusion of all stakeholders throughout the process. Ultimately, this framework guides policy planning, implementation, and management for rural tourism initiatives.