The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe
This article examines the role of myths in influencing the cultural and environmental significance of Nyanga Mountain, a natural heritage site in Zimbabwe’s Manicaland province. Recognizing that natural tourism destinations often develop unique cultural identities through myth, this study uses quali...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Cogent Social Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2025.2451745 |
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| author | Blessing Muchenje Gilbert Pwiti Alick Mhizha |
| author_facet | Blessing Muchenje Gilbert Pwiti Alick Mhizha |
| author_sort | Blessing Muchenje |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article examines the role of myths in influencing the cultural and environmental significance of Nyanga Mountain, a natural heritage site in Zimbabwe’s Manicaland province. Recognizing that natural tourism destinations often develop unique cultural identities through myth, this study uses qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with community members, tour guides, tourists and experts, to explore the role of myths in destination management. Findings indicate that these myths act as cultural tools, enhancing behavioural norms and environmental preservation through taboos and traditional beliefs. The study recommends strategies to preserve these heritage sites, promote cultural values and empower local custodians, supporting sustainable site management and enhancing the site’s cultural and ecological integrity. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8f67dc0b4eb84ea3b73b66b0bdabb845 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2331-1886 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cogent Social Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-8f67dc0b4eb84ea3b73b66b0bdabb8452025-01-16T18:22:41ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Social Sciences2331-18862025-12-0111110.1080/23311886.2025.2451745The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern ZimbabweBlessing Muchenje0Gilbert Pwiti1Alick Mhizha2Department of Tourism, Leisure, and Hospitality Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, ZimbabweDepartment of Heritage Studies and Archaeology, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberly, South AfricaConference and Documentation Services at Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Lusaka, ZambiaThis article examines the role of myths in influencing the cultural and environmental significance of Nyanga Mountain, a natural heritage site in Zimbabwe’s Manicaland province. Recognizing that natural tourism destinations often develop unique cultural identities through myth, this study uses qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with community members, tour guides, tourists and experts, to explore the role of myths in destination management. Findings indicate that these myths act as cultural tools, enhancing behavioural norms and environmental preservation through taboos and traditional beliefs. The study recommends strategies to preserve these heritage sites, promote cultural values and empower local custodians, supporting sustainable site management and enhancing the site’s cultural and ecological integrity.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2025.2451745Mythsnatural sacred attractiontourism destinationtraditional cultureresident spiritsReligion, Tourism and Pilgrimage |
| spellingShingle | Blessing Muchenje Gilbert Pwiti Alick Mhizha The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe Cogent Social Sciences Myths natural sacred attraction tourism destination traditional culture resident spirits Religion, Tourism and Pilgrimage |
| title | The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe |
| title_full | The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe |
| title_fullStr | The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe |
| title_full_unstemmed | The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe |
| title_short | The significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in Zimbabwe: a case study of Nyanga Mountain, Eastern Zimbabwe |
| title_sort | significance of myths associated with natural heritage tourism destinations in zimbabwe a case study of nyanga mountain eastern zimbabwe |
| topic | Myths natural sacred attraction tourism destination traditional culture resident spirits Religion, Tourism and Pilgrimage |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311886.2025.2451745 |
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