| NEWS RELEASE
October 22, 2002 Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa shortlisted for investing in the future awards The Mail & Guardian newspaper has shortlisted Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) and Interfund, their project partner, for the final round of judging in the 14th annual Investing in The Future Awards. The awards are given to companies, foundations and NGOs that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility by supplementing government's efforts to combat poverty and bring about sustainable development. "We are pleased that our efforts to establish fair trade in South African tourism have been recognised," says Jennifer Seif, National Coordinator of Pretoria-based FTTSA. "I believe that our two-year partnership with Interfund has provided a solid foundation. It's allowed us to reach the point where the work we are doing is seen as both valuable and effective." FTTSA is a non-profit marketing organisation under the auspices of the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) South Africa. FTTSA aims to support community-based and other structurally disadvantaged tourism enterprises by encouraging fair business practices and by facilitating capacity building, particularly around issues related to market access. "We are working to establish Fair Trade in South African tourism through the promotion of six principles. These are Fair Share; Democracy; Respect for human rights, culture and environment; Reliability; Transparency; and Sustainability," says Seif. Interfund, nominated together with FTTSA, is a consortium of European donors that offers financial support for South African civil society organisations in an effort to advance democracy. The Investing in The Future Award entrants are judged on such criteria as good governance, accountability and financial sustainability. Applicants must also demonstrate innovation and poverty-reduction impact. "FTTSA is the first organisation of its kind in the world," says Seif, "So the enthusiasm that's been shown by tourism businesses, donors and the government is encouraging." FTTSA is being judged in the Independent Foundations and Trusts category amongst community foundations, grantmaking NGOs and trusts, family foundations and private foundations. The winners and runners-up will be announced at a breakfast function on Friday, October 25, and the results will be published in the Mail & Guardian the same day. For more information contact:
Keith Gordon Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) is an independent, non-profit, initiative under the auspices of IUCN (the World Conservation Union) South Africa. FTTSA promotes the concept of fair trade in South African tourism, and provides incentives and support for tourism businesses that adopt fair trade practices. |