Work

The Deceptive Allure of Luxury Tourism: The Political Economy of Tourism Strategies in Mauritius, Botswana, and Rwanda

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: There is limited analysis of the adoption of luxury tourism strategies in Africa. Such strategies promise lower ecological impact and higher tourism revenues. Through an analysis of economic data and secondary literature, as well as interviews conducted in Mauritius, Botswana, and Rwanda, this article examines why once luxury tourism strategies are adopted and do not deliver expected results, some countries reverse these strategies while others do not. Contrary to recent African political economy literature, this paper shows that “democratic” governments (Mauritius, Botswana) with shorter-term horizons have more flexibility in adapting their strategies compared to “authoritarian” governments with longer-term horizons (Rwanda).

Source: African Studies Review

DOI: 10.1017/asr.2025.10098

Author: Pritish Behuria

Language: English

Topic: Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

Funder: British Academy