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Travel with care - come to South Africa
Responsible tourism in South Africa
There's a new consciousness rising in the world. Tourists want to engage more in the destinations they visit. They're thinking about how they live, how they travel, how they can do something positive. South Africa offers some of the most meaningful ways for visitors to do exactly that.
Responsible tourism in South Africa - everyone has fun.
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Chris Marais
DID YOU KNOW?
Surveys show more and more visitors want eco-friendly holidays that benefit local communities.
Responsible tourism in South Africa is a marvelous way of making a positive difference through travel. You return home refreshed, carbon-neutral and culturally enriched, with memories to last a lifetime.
One of the first environmental issues travelers think of these days is the impact of the flight.
In South Africa you can offset carbon emissions while uplifting communities at the same time, through Food and Trees for Africa. After calculating your carbon footprint via their calculator, your donation will help plant fruit and indigenous trees in schools, clinics and the backyards of impoverished areas.
Another South African responsible tourism initiative allows you to check whether the seafood item you're eyeing on the menu is endangered or not.
The South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) gives you the simple option of texting your choice to a mobile number. Within minutes, you'll have your reply. The fish may be labeled ‘green' (feel free to order), ‘orange' (in trouble, but legal to eat) or ‘red' (kindly desist).
Becoming a responsible tourist can also be a matter of choosing the right accommodation. And there are plenty of choices, as you'll find wherever you find the RT icon on this website.
Just by staying at these destinations, you can ensure minimal impact on the environment, maximum positive social spinoff, and a feel-good factor all round.
South Africa's environmental tourism initiatives have great social resonance. "Tourism is the world's largest industry. But if it isn't fair, it won't be sustainable," explains Jennifer Seif, national coordinator of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA).
"The people whose culture, land and labour are used for tourism should get their fair share of the rewards. Their knowledge, heritage and natural resources make their destination unique. Fair Trade in Tourism SA humanises responsible tourism in South Africa. A holiday in this country becomes richer, more real, more local."
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Responsible Tourism National Minimum Standards
Tourism in South Africa has reached a new level of maturity now that Government and stakeholders have launched the National Minimum Standards for Responsible Tourism.
Responsible tourism experiences
Responsible tourism tours are on offer all around South Africa giving visitors the chance to change lives as part of their itinerary.
Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards 2009
An increasing number of entries for the Imvelo Awards reveal the growing support of South Africa’s hospitality industry for responsible tourism and its values.
Responsible Tourism Cape Town
Cape Town has been recognised as 1 of the world’s best responsible tourism destinations. A sustainable city is a great place to inhabit and visit.
A unique winelands experience
Zi Ying and Zhi Yong enjoy a trip to the winelands
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