Application of the Delphi Technique to Rural Tourism Project Evaluation

This paper details the merit, challenges and shortcomings of the Delphi Technique as a means of obtaining data for a project aimed at formulating an evaluation framework for application in the development and management of rural tourism projects. Participation in the Delphi Survey was sought from expert panellists in both South Africa and Britain from four different stakeholder sectors of expertise – academics, the public sector, consultants and the operational sector. No single research method could have elicited the comprehensive information sought by this study. Whilst the Delphi Technique was considered the most effective means of soliciting group input and opinion forming by a panel of experts utilising a manageable method, it was unable to facilitate the in-depth discussion and enriched text required to gain a fuller understanding of significant and contentious issues.