Tourism allows us to explore different parts of the world, immerse ourselves in new cultures and meet new people. We can experience life from different spheres and see how others take in the world. We taste different foods, smell diverse aromas, hear unfamiliar sounds and learn to speak a language different from ours.
As beautiful and economically viable as tourism is, it can harm the livelihood of humans and the environment. This is why it’s important to implement sustainable tourism practices to ensure we’re not only providing tourists with impeccable experiences but also ensuring that the community and environment benefit as well.
In 2005, The World Tourism Organisation and the United Nations Environment Program suggested goals for sustainable tourism in 2005. These were implemented to ensure a solution to some of the challenges that are faced by the industry globally:
- Economic Growth:
Ensure that tourism destinations and businesses are viable, competitive, and able to achieve long-term success. - Local Success:
Tourism is aimed at helping local communities thrive economically and retain a large amount of the economic contribution through tourism activities. - Increase Employment:
Ensure the tourism industry creates jobs for locals, they are paid equally, and working conditions are safe and fair without discrimination. - Social Equity:
Tourism activity needs to increase the economic and social benefits being distributed across local communities. - Tourist Fulfillment:
Create a safe and fulfilling holiday experience for all tourists despite their race, gender, sexuality, disability or other. - Local Control:
Give local communities a role in planning and decision-making regarding tourism in their area. - Community Wellbeing:
Enhance the quality of life and well-being of the local communities with access to resources. Locals should not be disrespected or exploited. - Respecting of Culture:
Tourism is to respect the cultural heritage, traditions, authenticity and uniqueness of their host communities. - Environmetal Integrity & Purity:
All landscapes are to be taken care of and not degraded physically or visually due to tourism. Furthermore, the environment needs to be kept safe from pollution. - Biological Diversity:
Protect and conserve natural areas, wildlife, and unique habitats. - Resource Efficiency:
Where possible, use sustainable and renewable resources in the development of tourism facilities.
We believe in the importance of the goals above and continuously strive to assist the South African and overall African tourism industry in its efforts to create sustainable tourism that is beneficial to local communities and visitors.
