Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FTTSA (Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa) is, perhaps, the most active
national movement to support fair trade in tourism (see www.fairtourismsa.
org.za), embracing ideas of participation, equity and empowerment. As noted
by a Volunteer Service Abroad volunteer working with FTTSA in 2007,
FTTSA is about contributing to the transformation of the South African
tourism industry and integrating the small, locally owned businesses
alongside the more established white-owned companies. . .It's about
spreading benefits around a community and making sure the tourism
experience is beneficial for locals and visitors alike - environmentally,
socially and economically. (Cited in Jennings, 2007: 24)
FTTSA also certifies enterprises under the world's first fair trade in tourism
certification programme and, thus, provides a guarantee for consumers
regarding a business's ethics. This provides assurance to clients that these
tourism enterprises contribute substantially to the well-being of local com-
munities, and that the business is socially and environmentally responsible.
As of August 2012, there were 63 certified fair trade tourism businesses in
South Africa, including community-based endeavours, adventure tours,
mainstream accommodation providers (e.g. four Mecure hotels) and exclu-
sive private lodges. This includes, for example, Singita Sabi Sand, known as
the world's best place to view leopards in the wild. The Singita company
owns a number of lodges in South Africa and elsewhere, and has a stated
commitment 'to our local communities and to assist in generating prosperity
and social upliftment' (www.singita.com). Another enterprise with fair
trade certification is Bulungula Lodge which was established by a South
African entrepreneur, with the Nqileni community having a 40% share in
the endeavour. The Nqileni people use the lodge somewhat as a community
centre and often congregate there to mingle with the tourists. In addition to
providing direct jobs accommodating visitors, the lodge has helped provide
an income for over 30 families through associated activities including horse-
riding, woodcarving, cooking, and guiding. Tourists who use local transport
to get to the lodge, rather than a tourist bus, receive free accommodation for
one night (Jennings, 2007).
NGOs supporting PPT
NGOs are involved in PPT in a number of ways (Kennedy, 2008;
Scheyvens, 2011; see also Chapter 6). There are some organisations, such as
Tourism Concern in the UK, whose role is primarily focused on education
and advocacy, for example, raising awareness in Western countries about
how to be an ethical traveller, or how to run an ethical tourism business
which benefits developing countries. Others play watchdog roles, keeping a
watching brief on tourism policies and practices to ensure the poor and
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