PhD research explores visitor experiences at Cape Town’s iconic heritage sites

From Robben Island to Table Mountain, a UCT researcher turns lived experience into new insight on how visitors connect with Cape Town’s iconic heritage sites. For Shoni Khangala, the journey to a PhD began not only in lecture halls, but at two of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks,Robben Island MuseumandTable Mountain. Having worked at both sites, an experience few researchers share, Khangala set out to understand what visitors truly take away from these globally recognised spaces.

Now, as he prepares to graduate from theUniversity of Cape Town, his research is offering new insight into how people experience World Heritage Sites in a post-pandemic world. “I wanted to understand the entire journey,” Khangala said, referring to how visitors engage with places from arrival to reflection. His PhD study examined visitor experiences at Robben Island and Table Mountain, focusing on how perceptions have shifted following COVID-19.

The findings challenge a common assumption, that World Heritage status automatically enhances a visit. Instead, the study found that factors such as learning, enjoyment, a sense of escape and the appreciation of natural beauty play a more significant role in shaping visitor satisfaction. It also revealed clear differences between local and international visitors, suggesting that tourism strategies need to be more tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.

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Khangala’s unique perspective, shaped by his experience at both a cultural and a natural heritage site, allowed him to compare how different environments influence visitor engagement. His research comes at a time when the tourism sector continues to adapt after the disruptions of COVID-19, with growing focus on creating more meaningful and resilient visitor experiences. Beyond tourism, the study highlights the broader value of well-managed heritage sites, from preserving cultural and natural assets to supporting local economies and communities.

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