Desert Tales Sing explores the fascinating intersection of Khoisan oral history, responsible tourism, and cultural preservation in Southern Africa.
It examines how carefully designed travel experiences can help safeguard the traditions of the Khoisan people, whose culture is primarily transmitted through oral narratives.
Centuries of marginalization have threatened their languages and customs, making cultural preservation a vital undertaking.
The book argues that tourism, when ethically structured, can provide economic incentives and platforms for cultural exchange, empowering local communities to share their stories and revitalize their heritage.
The book unfolds in three parts.
It first introduces the diverse Khoisan groups and their oral traditions.
Secondly, it examines the ethical considerations of tourism within indigenous communities, using oral history interviews as primary evidence.
Finally, it proposes a model for responsible Khoisan tourism.
The book emphasizes the agency of Khoisan communities in shaping tourism experiences, advocating for a shift from passive consumption to active engagement.
