Responsible Tourism Cape Town

Cape Town, a premier responsible tourism destination.

© Chris Marais

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In 2002, an historic international conference on sustainable tourism was held in Cape Town. It culminated in what is now referred to as the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism.

The enduring tagline from the conference was: 'Responsible Tourism creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit.'

It was a philosophy that the city took to heart. In 2004, the City took the step of including the principles of Responsible Tourism in its Tourism Development Framework.

In September 2009, Cape Town adopted a Responsible Tourism Charter, involving the city itself and several hospitality and tourism organisations. It committed the signatories to work on seven initial issues.

Priorities include reducing water and energy use, decreasing waste generated, and upping contributions to the welfare and livelihoods of local people through skills development, buying local products and services, charitable giving and supporting local businesses. Organisations funded by the city are also required to adhere to Responsible Tourism principles.

Cape Town's efforts were rewarded when it was awarded Best Destination Category in the 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards announced at the World Travel Market in London.

However the people involved in promoting Responsible Tourism Cape Town will be the first to admit that the city is a true responsible destination in progress. There’s still a long road ahead.

Cape Town Tourism encourages its visitors to get to know the city from the ground up through walking or cycling tours, exploring townships with local guides, buying local arts and crafts, and eating local foods.

It aims to be a city that is protected and showcased by this benign form of tourism, that allows Capetonians to benefit from and be part of tourism in the city.