About the Centre for Sustainable Tourism & Innovation (CSTI)

Core Values:
At the heart of our Centre’s identity and purpose are five core values that guide our work and shape our impact:

Guided by excellence in all endeavours, the Centre fosters collaboration to generate

Core Values:
At the heart of our Centre’s identity and purpose are five core values that guide our work and shape our impact:

Guided by excellence in all endeavours, the Centre fosters collaboration to generate innovative and sustainable tourism solutions while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

and sustainable tourism solutions while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Who are We

The Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Innovation (CSTI) is an interdisciplinary research and development institute at Tshwane University of Technology. The Centre focuses on the intersection of sustainability, digitalisation, and inclusive tourism development, aiming to enhance the sector’s resilience and adaptability within the dynamic global and local landscapes. As a research and training centre, CSTI works closely with industry partners, local communities, and international institutions to create impactful, evidence-based solutions that drive economic, environmental, and social sustainability across the tourism value chain.

CSTI’s activities are structured around three core pillars:

CSTI History

Established in 2009, the Centre for Sustainable Tourism (CST) was in the Tourism Management Department under the Faculty of Management Sciences. The initial focus was on curriculum development, introducing new casino and event management programs, and targeting disadvantaged populations for enrolment in 2010. Subsequently, additional emphasis was placed on faculty development and sustained collaborative research initiatives locally and internationally. From 2013 – 2023, the Centre for Sustainable Tourism made significant strides, including the registration of 15 research and community projects, which were presented and showcased nationally and internationally. 

As of 2025, six projects are still active, and nine have been completed. In addition, CST employed three post-doctoral candidates who produced research outputs and attended international conferences. In 2024, the Centre for Sustainable Tourism (CST) initiated a five-year strategic plan, which included a significant rebranding initiative. As part of this strategy, the centre underwent a name change to the Centre for Sustainable Tourism & Innovation (CSTI) to better reflect its expanded focus and mission.

Core Membership of the CSTI

The CSTI's core membership is heavily rooted in the Department of Tourism Management, encompassing leadership, executive roles, and many lecturers. It is further supported by affiliate members from the same department, visiting professors bringing international perspectives, an advisory board providing external strategic input, and ex-officio members representing broader institutional alignment.

The Centre uses interdisciplinary teams engaged in research to solve tourism problems and expand the knowledge base for the industry, governments, and the academic world. The centre collaborates with numerous individual partners and affiliated departments, institutes, and programs at the Tshwane University of Technology and beyond. The vast array of expertise amongst the affiliates provides outstanding intellectual resources to provide strategic services through research, consultancy, education and training.

Click here for the current CSTI membership.

Research Projects Registered

These allocations ensure that each research project aligns with the objectives of the Centre, driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable practices across various aspects of tourism in South Africa. Current research projects registered are focusing on the following areas;

• Advance Innovative Research
• Promote Capacity Building through Comprehensive Training
• Enhance Capacity building through SLPs
• Foster Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Practices
• Empower Local Communities and Stakeholders 
• Lead in Thought and Practice for a Dynamic and Equitable Tourism Future 

- Click here for current Projects

- Click here for completed Projects

Services

CSTI provides strategic services through research, consultancy, education, and training targeted to assist the tourism and hospitality industries. The centre is committed to excellence on a wide range of interdisciplinary tourism issues that are local, national and international in scope.

The Centre draws on an array of outstanding resources, including:

• Staff members and research associates with strong academic credentials and in-depth knowledge and expertise in the social and behavioural sciences and business practices. 
• Nationally and internationally recognised faculty and research associates with publications in the leading academic journals in recreation, parks, ecotourism, event management, sport tourism, and hospitality industries. 
• Strong interdisciplinary research partnerships and affiliations with research associates within and outside TUT. 
• Highly knowledgeable and experienced external Advisory Board members from both the government and the private sector 

Tourism-related economic development assistance includes services designed to improve the capitalisation of natural, historical, and man-made resources. The Centre is available to provide research, technical assistance, training, and consultation and be engaged in community projects/initiatives. Some examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tourism masterplans
• Market segmentation
• Market feasibility analysis
• Economic feasibility and economic impact analysis 
• Training in responsible tourism
• Training in adventure activities
• Computer-based training, including property management systems, global distribution systems, central reservation systems and booking engines operational, strategic and marketing 

Contact

Email: CSTI@tut.ac.za
Contact Number: 012 382 4157
GPS Coordinates: (25°44'41.83”S 28°12'0.19”E)