Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa

FTTSA Participates in the Tourism European/Ecumenical Network (TEN) Meeting
From 27-29 May 2011, FTTSA Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, and Project Manager, Katarina Mancama, participated in the Tourism European/Ecumenical Network (TEN) meeting in Cheshunt, UK. TEN is a network of development agencies, aid agencies, church groups, solidarity groups and individuals who are active in the field of tourism and the effects it has on the people of the Third World. FTTSA was invited to participate in the meeting as an observer (to learn about the activities of the TEN members), and also to present the current status of our Fair Trade Travel project. Fair Trade Travel is closely linked to the work of many TEN members, as they can assist FTTSA with awareness raising in the markets. Through participating in this conference, FTTSA was able to strengthen some of its existing relationships and also forge new alliances with very important partners. In conjunction with the TEN meeting, FTTSA was also invited to do a presentation to the Ethical Tour Operators Group (etog). This is a group of some 20 small and medium-sized tour operators with a strong focus on responsible tourism linked to Tourism Concern . The presentation was very well received, with all participants applauding FTTSA for its practical achievements in Fair Trade Tourism.

FTTSA Active at the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) AGM
From 13-15 June 2011, FTTSA Certification Manager, Lisa Scriven represented FTTSA at the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) AGM, held in Paternoster. The theme of this year’s AGM was social marketing and media.

SAYTC is a non-profit, membership-driven organization with the following objectives:

to market South Africa globally as a preferred youth tourism destination;
to establish a professional youth tourism industry based upon accreditation and guidelines.

FTTSA has a seat on SAYTC’s ExCo, and used its presence at the SAYTC AGM to raise awareness of the FTTSA-certification programme and the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct (the Code).

FTTSA at the Annual Membership Council Meeting of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
The second annual membership council meeting of the GSTC took place in Barcelona, Spain, 28 – 30 June 2011. FTTSA Executive Director and Council Member, Jennifer Seif, participated in an exciting set of informative and educational working events, which included a behind-the-scenes tour of how an urban destination has applied sustainability to their growth plans, updates from the board and secretariat on progress over the past year, and seminars on the GSTC criteria and accreditation.

The GSTC is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world. They work to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; educate about - and advocate for - a set of universal principles that define sustainable tourism; and generate markets for sustainable tourism. At the core of their efforts are the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe.

Follow the Newest Blogger’s Fair Trade adventures!
FTTSA and Getaway are pleased to congratulate Charles Starling as the new travel blogger for Cape Town and the surroundings. Charles has been visiting and writing about these FTTSA-certified tourism businesses: Uthando South Africa, The Backpack, Andulela Experience: Cape Malay Cooking Safari, AWOL: Masiphumelele Bicycle Tour, Spier Hotel, Dreamcatcher: The Alternative Winelands Tour, Fairfield Mountain Cottages and !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Read all about Charles' amazing experiences on Getaway and FTTSA blog.

FTTSA Continues Jennifer Caldwell Memorial Internship
FTTSA bids farewell to Kabelo Matlou, who has been an Operations Intern for a period of 1 year as the beneficiary of the 2010 Jennifer Caldwell Memorial internship programme. FTTSA hopes this internship has assisted Kabelo to gain valuable skills for her career enhancement and we wish her all the best with her future endeavors. FTTSA is also pleased to announce that over 200 applications have been received for the 2011 Jennifer Caldwell Memorial internship. The successful candidate will be announced in our next newsflash. Kabelo said “I thank all the staff at FTTSA for making this a memorable and wonderful experience. May FTTSA continue to work towards the improvement of our beautiful South Africa and may the staff continue to succeed in all their endeavours”.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Goes Fairtrade!
On 7 June 2011, Kraft Foods South Africa and Fairtrade Label South Africa announced in a press conference in Johannesburg that Cadbury Dairy Milk [plain] chocolate is now Fairtrade certified and will be on local shelves by the end of 2011! Fairtrade certification is a system designed to ensure better working and living conditions for small scale farmers, farm workers and their communities through fairer prices, better labour conditions, community development and sustainability of the environment. Although Fairtrade has been operational in South Africa for the past two years, the agreement with Kraft Foods SA is set to increase retail sales of Fairtrade products eightfold. Boudewijn Goossens, Executive Director of Fairtrade Label SA (FLSA), says: “We congratulate Kraft Foods SA for their leadership in being the first major business in South Africa, and the first in an 'emerging market' to recognise there is an appetite for Fairtrade among local consumers. With Cadbury Dairy Milk [plain] chocolates available in all major supermarkets, corner shops, petrol stations and even many spaza shops around the country, Fairtrade products will become available to all South Africans. That is so important because we all need to be able to contribute to a more sustainable world." FTTSA, represented by Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, was also present at the media event.

Where will You “SPLASH YOUR CASH”?
FTTSA-certified Volunteer Africa - 32° South’s Wild Coast Community Schools Programme offers an opportunity for you to splash your cash. The winner will receive a 1 month FREE placement on the FTTSA accredited Wild Coast Schools Project!

If the winner raises over R 15 000 they will get an additional FREE Wild Walk Weekend – includes camping & guided walk along the stunning Wild Coast!
Prizes for everyone who raises a minimum of R 2 500! 1 month stay for one person can be exchanged for 2 weeks for two people (must volunteer simultaneously).
Prize excludes airfare. Placement must be redeemed before 1 September 2012.

Tap into your creative side & share it with your network – invent a fundraising activity or event, get your mates involved & rise to the challenge! Donations – Click here for the how to!

“Wish You Were There” Lucky Winner Announced
FTTSA congratulates Roger Busse as the winner of a 2-night stay in a standard suite at Djuma Vuyatela Lodge for two people sharing! To see what the lucky winner is in for, check out Djuma Vuyatela’s website.

This competition was part of an exciting new initiative in collaboration with Africa Geographic called “Wish You Were There”. Each month, the Fair Trade aspects of a FTTSA-certified business are highlighted in a column situated next to the editor’s column. FTTSA will continue to run monthly competitions linked to this column until the end of November 2011, so make sure you buy Africa Geographic and visit our website or follow us on facebook to stand a chance to win some amazing prizes!

Readers of the June issue of Africa Geographic stand to win a 2 night stay for 2 people at Motswari Private Game Reserve!

Congratulations to Antrim Villa!
We congratulate FTTSA-certified Antrim Villa guesthouse, recently awarded the Certificate of Excellence for 2011 by Tripadvisor! Antrim Villa , situated in Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town, has a staff complement comprised entirely of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs), with the vast majority being women. Antrim Villa, whose motto is “Think global buy local”, consciously strives to purchase local goods (and organic, wherever possible) that offer a uniquely South African ‘flavour’ to the guest experience. For more information, check out Antrim Villa.

Uthando Benefit Concert
On 17 May 2011, FTTSA-certified Uthando organised a benefit concert at the Table Bay Hotel to showcase some of the projects’ extraordinary talents.

Uthando promotes the upliftment of impoverished communities mainly in the Western Cape. In addition to its philanthropic cultural tours, Uthando focus on projects that benefit communities in many ways, mostly by providing them with a means to sustainable income generating activities. Uthando also seeks to empower people through the means of culture, music and other creative activities. The concert included performances by Amy Biehl Foundation, Dance For All, Jikeleza Dance Project, Hout Bay Music Project, Neighbourhood Old Age Homes, Happy Feet Gumboot Dances and Thokozani Brothers Choir Group and truly blew the audience away. This can be summarized in some of the comments made after the concert:

“Wow! I was breathless”... “I was crying”.... “Thank you for showing me that one person can make such a difference”… “I sat at the edge of my seat the entire show”... “I met so many fantastic people”... “Thank you for making me feel so proud”…..”I was amazed at the high standard of performance”… “Thank you so much for giving me the inspiration to work harder and with more love” To learn more about Uthando’s work, please visit their website.

Do you have a success story to share? Let us know and you could be featured in our next newsflash! Please send your enquiries and success stories to khaya@fairtourismsa.org.za

Hotel Investment World Africa 2011, Cape Town International Convention Centre, 5-8 July 2011
Hotel Investment World Africa 2011 is a two day strategic conference that showcases the opportunities available to Africa's hospitality market. The Hotel Investment World Africa provides a platform where new hotels business can be explored; key partnerships can be formed and new investment and funding products discovered and showcased. It is the only event that brings new opportunities to hotel owners and managers and sufficiently informs them on how to construct transactions that make good returns and minimise risks between one another and other related stakeholders. The conference features hotel operators from across Africa. For more information visit Hotel Investment World Africa.

Getaway Travel and Tourism Conference, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 26-27 July 2011
The Getaway Travel and Tourism Conference 2011 offers an exciting line-up of industry leaders speaking on a number of critical topics including latest trends, industry challenges, successful case studies and developments within the tourism sector. For more information click here

Renewable Energy Africa Conference & Expo, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 27-29 July 2011
This is Africa’s platform for discussions and showcases on the challenges of rising energy demands and the actions needed to achieve a sustainable future for Africa. It is an ideal networking event for industry leaders, investors, experts, policymakers, scientists and researchers to discuss the innovations in the industry and to find suitable solutions for the existing challenges in the area.
Renewable Energy Africa conference will develop and execute alternative strategies and methods that enlighten and educate the growing economies and populations world wide on the sustainability of renewable energy resources. Read about the programme and register here.

Sports & Events Tourism Exchange, Cape Town International Convention Centre, 27-29 July 2011
The first of its kind to be held in South Africa, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange will focus on the world class standard of facilities and services that South Africa has to offer as a host, for all top level international events and the exchange between sports tourism and the events industry. It will also provide a prestigious platform for the marketing of the many products and services related to this niche market, both on a local and international front. For more information visit, Sport and Events Tourism Exchange.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Colloquium, Johannesburg, 14 September 2011
The School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) in the Faculty of Management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will host their Tourism and Hospitality Industry Colloquium with this year’s theme “Building leaders and managers for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry”. Academia and industry representatives are invited to attend the Colloquium (an academic conference), where the latest research relating to the topic will be presented and discussed. The Colloquium will be complimented by a student cultural exhibition, showcasing the different cultures of South Africa and abroad. Two sponsors have already confirmed their commitment to the STH Colloquium, namely South African Tourism and Brilliant Branding. The registration fee is R300 per delegate. The registration form is available on the University of Johannesburg website. Delegates are encouraged to complete a two page survey. Industry representatives are also welcome to forward an abstract to nellies@uj.ac.za.

The 1st UNWTO International Conference on Tourism and the Media, Zagreb, Croatia 12-13, September 2011
The 1st UNWTO International Conference on Tourism and the Media, held in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism of Croatia, will be the first UNWTO event dedicated exclusively to the relationship between tourism and the media. While the press cannot be told what and how to write, they can become a vital ally for the tourism sector, and the millions that depend on it, by promoting greater awareness of the value of tourism and its potential to contribute to sustainable development. Bringing together tourism officials, business leaders and the international media under one roof, this Conference will examine and debate, from a communications perspective, tourism’s socioeconomic relevance, in order to maximize the full potential of the tourism-media relationship. For more information visit, UNWTO International Conference.

International French Travel Market (IFTM)Top Resa, Paris Porte de Versailles, 20-23 September 2011
FTM Top Resa is France's leading international business-to-business tourism exhibition, the industry’s event for networking, doing business, innovating, and keeping abreast of market developments, covering all sectors: leisure, corporate, and events. For more information, click here.

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Travel Industry Awards
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is pleased to announce that it is accepting nominations for the 2011 ASTA Travel Industry Awards, to be presented during ASTA's Travel Retailing and Destination Expo in Las Vegas, 11-13 September 2011.

"ASTA's Travel Industry Awards are an opportunity to celebrate excellence and bestow special recognition to talented travel professionals for their work to enhance the travel industry's dynamic business environment," said Steve Powers, chair of ASTA's Special Projects Committee and president of Hidden Treasure Tours, in Long Beach, NY.

The Special Projects Committee makes recommendations to the ASTA Executive Committee who selects the winners to be honored. As one of the travel industry's premier organizations, ASTA strives to promote excellence within the trade. To that end, ASTA presents top-level awards to recognize those professionals who make lasting contributions to the travel industry. The nomination deadline is 8 July 2011. For a complete listing of all nominee criteria, please visit Travel Industry Awards.

2011 Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards
Nominations for the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards are now open for the tourism and hospitality industry in Africa. The Imvelo Awards, running for the tenth year, award tourism and hospitality businesses that make a real, measurable and sustained contribution to responsible tourism and have a huge impact on tourism in southern Africa, creating significant awareness of environmental management and social development issues in the industry. Entries should reach the organisers by Wednesday, 31 August 2011. For more information contact Lynda Bacon on 0861 333 628 or visit Imvelo Awards

17th Annual TO DO! Awards
Tourism projects or measures from around the world which demonstrate social responsibility, especially through participation of the local population in tourism development, are awarded a TO DO! prize. The award ceremony takes place annually in March during ITB in Berlin, Germany. The contest is supported by the German state, travel industry, churches and other organisations. You can actively support the contest by spreading the word about TO DO! and by forwarding the information to potential applicants. For more information about TO DO! Contest click here.

World Day Against Child Labour: Roundtable Discussions
FTTSA Certification Manager, Lisa Scriven, participated in a ½ -day roundtable hosted by Activists Networking against the Exploitation of Children, (Anex), a Non-Profit Organisation. They are the only organisation in South Africa that has child domestic work as its primary focus. The establishment of the organisation was inspired by the plight of the girl child, who is sourced or trafficked from rural areas to urban areas to work as child domestic labourers, www.anexcdw.org.za. FTTSA gave a presentation on the implementation of Tourism Child Protection Code (the Code) in South Africa which was well received.

Stones Nightclub Gives the Red Card to Child Exploitation
On the night before Youth Day, 15 June 2011, FTTSA assisted the bar and nightclub, Stones, in raising awareness about child exploitation by providing them with our Red Card collateral. Stones nightclub is located in the center of the busy University of Pretoria student area, Hatfield. To raise awareness of the issue, the Stones team took a stance and wore t-shirts with the imprinted slogan "Give the Red Card to Child Exploitation - kick Child Labour out of South Africa!”. Further, informative tent cards were placed on the bar and the tables outside, posters were displayed above the bar and in the bathrooms, and every guest who entered the club received the little red card with contact numbers on the back to report an incident or provide help to a child victim. The students were generally positively surprised and FTTSA is hopeful that such events can be repeated in future to eventually create a "child friendly" party area in Hatfield. To see some pictures of the event, visit our photo gallery on facebook.

The Code at the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) AGM
On Thursday, 30 June 2011, the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) held their AGM at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town. In response to the kind invitation of the organisers, FTTSA Certification Assistant, Kate Finlay, attended the meeting to raise awareness about the Tourism Child Protection Code (the Code) and how they can get involved in the global initiative to protect children from sexual exploitation in tourism. A table with info material was set up and Kate Finlay replied to the delegate’s questions. The Code South Africa would like to thank SAACI for their continuous support for the Code and their commitment to child protection in tourism!

Happy Birthday to the Code South Africa!
It’s been one year since FTTSA launched the Tourism Child Protection Code in South Africa prior to the World Cup 2010. Since then, a lot of work has been done and the initiative to provide increased protection to children from sexual exploitation in tourism is now endorsed by over 50 Code-signatories and supporters.

Major partners of the project include tourism associations such as South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council, FEDHASA, Open Africa and the Heritage Environmental Company, who have all signed a pledge of support and help FTTSA by promoting the Code to their members.

Amongst the signatories are major industry players such as Southern Sun, City Lodge, Winchester Mansions, Peermont, Avis, Europcar, First and Thompson’s Africa. However, many smaller establishments such as Abang Africa, the Peech Hotel and Andulela Experience also impress us with their immense commitment and inventive awareness raising activities (see our Best Practice photo gallery on facebook for examples). Currently, South African Code signatories represent a work force of 13,000 employees, and host over 10 million guests every year!
We are therefore grateful for all our friends, signatories and supporters and look forward to many more years of fighting child sex tourism in this country! For more information on the Code, please visit our website and facebook page. A full list of our supporters can be requested from thecode@fairtourismsa.org.za.

Fairtrade is growing from strength to strength with sales in 2010 reaching R 18.4 million, a steep increase from the R 5.7 million estimated in 2009, showing that awareness and demand for Fairtrade products in South Africa are on the rise. For more information click here.
Cape Town has been rated in the top 15 Bicycle Friendly Cities, according to a CNN feature on cities around the world. AWOL Masiphumelele Bicycle Tour, an FTTSA-certified bicycle tour, offers a bicycle tour around Cape Town’s Masiphumelele township.