FTTSA NEWSFLASH SEPTEMBER 2008
September is Global Tourism Month! In this tourism month, Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) brings you more exciting news as we announce four new FTTSA-certified products!
This September, FTTSA welcomes:
1. Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers (Gauteng) www.sowetobackpackers.com
2. Soweto Fair Tour (Gauteng) www.moratiwa.co.za
3. Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape) www.amakhala.co.za
4. Woodbury Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape) www.amakhala.co.za
This brings the total FTTSA-certified establishments to 40!
FTTSA promotes Educational Aspects of Responsible Tourism Abroad
FTTSA’s Certification Manager, Lisa Scriven, went to North Carolina in the United States from 18 to 20 August with the objective of raising awareness about the educational benefits of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) holidays. In partnership with Hills of Africa Travel (a US-based tour operator and long-standing supporter of FTTSA products), meetings were conducted with the international travel departments of various educational institutions. During these meetings Lisa presented the case that FTTSA-certified businesses present practical solutions / options that demonstrate how investing in people, the environment and community development contribute to sustainability and address a number of pressing global issues on a manageable scale. The positive response to this was overwhelming and Hills of Africa Travel is already preparing requested FTTSA itineraries for the consideration of some educational trips! Additional ideas and opportunities also came out of these meetings and will be followed up to try and maximise exposure and benefits to certified businesses. FTTSA welcomes proposals for similar cooperation from other tour operators. Watch this space! www.hillsofafrica.com.
FTTSA collaborates with the Network of the Americas
FTTSA’s Certification Manager, Lisa Scriven, travelled to San Jose, Costa Rica on 21 and 22 August to attend a meeting of the Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas. Representatives from 7 certification programmes throughout the Americas met to discuss the implications of the Global Baseline Criteria that are currently being developed in anticipation of the establishment of an accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification programmes around the world; the proposed accreditation body is called the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council (STSC). The Network members discussed how their own standards compared with the draft standards that are in place for the Global Baseline, as well as subsequent implications for each of their programmes. The meeting offered a number of networking opportunities, insight into other certification programmes and lessons about the functioning of the regional network as well as challenges they face. For more information on the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council, please visit http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/tourism.cfm?id=council.
FTTSA and Green Rhino Diplomatic Travel Club hosts the third “Fair Trade” diplomatic evening
FTTSA in conjunction with Green Rhino Diplomatic Travel Club hosted the third “Fair Trade” diplomatic travel event on 27 August 2008 at the Canadian High Commission in Pretoria. The Green Rhino Diplomatic Travel Club is a local tour operator serving a wide range of foreign High Commissions and Embassies around the country. FTTSA’s Executive Director Jennifer Seif welcomed all attendees. Dr. Matlotleng P. Matlou, CEO of the Africa Institute of South Africa and non-executive Director on the board of FTTSA spoke about the 2010 FIFA World Cup Tourism Plan and its benefits and challenges for South Africa. To further add to the Fair Trade theme, FTTSA-certified establishments sponsored prizes for a lucky draw. All proceeds went to a local charity, Tshwane Place of Safety. For more information on the Green Rhino Diplomatic Travel Club, please visit http://www.greenrhino.co.za/ and for more information on the Africa Institute of South Africa, please go to http://www.ai.org.za/.
FTTSA attends the National Service Excellence Forum (NASEF) Strategic Planning Session
On 3 September, FTTSA’s Marketing Manager, Lolla Meyer attended the National Service Excellence Forum (NASEF) at the Rustenburg Council Chambers. NASEF will drive the development of the National Tourism Framework and Strategy for service excellence. The afternoon session was facilitated by senior international executives from the internationally renowned Service Quality Centre in Singapore and chaired by Mmatsatsi Marobe, the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).The evening function was sponsored by SA Tourism. The theme of Moeketsi Mosola’s (CEO of South African Tourism) speech was “Working towards a greener future”. The Minister of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Mr. Marthinus van Schalkwyk, officially launched Tourism Month and announced the latest foreign arrival statistics. For more information on NASEF and the latest arrival statistics visit http://www.deat.gov.za//NewsMedia/MedStat/2008Sep4/04092008.pdf
Fair Trade South Africa (FTSA) opens new offices in Cape Town
Fair Trade South Africa (FTSA) is a multi-stakeholder body established in Stellenbosch on 13-14 May 2005. FTSA’s main objectives are to develop the market for Fair Trade in South Africa and provide support to certified producers. FTTSA is a founding member of Fair Trade South Africa. On 18 September 2008, FTTSA attended the official launch of Fair Trade South Africa new offices based in Cape Town, 83 Lower Main Road, Observatory. This event was an ideal opportunity to meet FTSA board members and to network with other Fair Trade stakeholders. If you would like to find out where to buy Fair Trade products in South Africa, please contact Klarissa on klarissa@fairtrade.org.za. For more information on FTSA, go to www.fairtrade.org.za
South Africa is carbon expensive
A statement to the media by the CEO of SA Tourism, Moeketsi Mosola, says that international travelers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues, and there is a growing trend to support businesses and services that are environmentally responsible. Therefore, says Mosola, it makes good business and moral sense to operate in environmentally friendly ways. Mosola states that South Africa is a long-haul destination to many of its nine million visitors, and travel is a “carbon expensive” activity. Mosola explains that a round trip for one person from the UK to Johannesburg, creates about 1 500kg of carbon dioxide. He adds that soon, travel choices will be motivated by how travelers can ensure their carbon footprint will be minimised. For more information, please visit, http://www.travelhub.co.za/index.asp?page=article&profile=0&article=18248&crumb=Latest%20News&news=&displayNumber=20&sm=a&keyword=&category=0&DateFrom=&DateTo=&author
REMINDER
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa’s new contact details
Please note, we have moved to new premises! This is a friendly reminder to note our new contact details:
Phone: +27- (0)12 342 2945/3642
Fax: +27- (0)12 342 2946
Physical address: 1270 Church Street, 34A Hatfield Corner, Colbyn, Pretoria
Postal address: PO Box 12844, Queenswood, 0121, Pretoria
ANNOUNCEMENTS
South African NGO Web Awards 2008
Entries are now open for the 2008 South African NGO Web Awards. Organised by SANGONeT, the competition aims to raise awareness about the benefits of having a web presence among South African NGOs, stimulate interest in the application of web solutions and applications, and showcase best practices and innovation in website use.
The competition is open to South African NGOs with a website. Organisations must be able to demonstrate their non-profit status and involvement in development work in South Africa. The 2006 and 2007 winners are not eligible to enter. Please download an entry form on http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/images/stories/Proposals_Opportunities/entry_form.doc. Once the form has been completed kindly send it to Janine Moolman on jan@sangonet.org.za.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) calls for entries for Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2009
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) - the business leaders' forum for the Travel & Tourism industry - is delighted to announce the call for entries for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, WTTC's sustainable tourism accolade, in association with Travelport and The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are presented annually to tourism organisations that are demonstrating best practices including helping to improve the livelihoods of communities and supporting the protection of natural and cultural heritage through sustainable tourism development. The awards are given in four different categories addressing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. To find out more about the awards, please contact Susann Kruegel, Manager e-Strategy and Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, on susann@wttc.org or visit www.tourismfortomorrow.com.
Earth Capital is launched with the “Green” Business Plan Competition
Earth Capital, a new venture capital and management company that focuses on developing businesses in the green goods and services sector, is the sponsor of the green business category of the 2008 FNB Enablis Business Plan Competition. In collaboration with one of FTTSA certified establishment Spier, Earth Capital has been established as a way to develop the green goods and service industry in South Africa. The health of our natural environment has become and will increasingly be one of the fundamental drivers of our economy. As such, it is critical this sector be nurtured and developed through the availability of funding and management expertise.
The competition is open for submissions until 30 September 2008. Winners will be announced in January 2009. For more information and entry forms, please visit www.launchpad2008.biz.
RESOURCES
Development of forest areas, focus on rights
This report discusses how tensions over forests in coming decades will influence the severity of climate change, the course of wars and civil conflicts, and the health of the world. It is asserted that few development interventions in forest areas have worked in favour of either the forest dwellers or the forests and that a new approach and urgent action is needed. Please visit http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/29/33/40200582.pdf for more information.
Mentorship programme for black owned businesses
Lebo Malepa, owner of FTTSA-certified Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, has had a good year! Earlier on in 2008, he was given the opportunity to be part of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' Black Entrepreneur Initiative (BEI) after he approached the BEI for assistance in gearing up his business. After being nominated in the Radio 702 Small Business Awards, he came second out of 30 finalists selected. Through this venture with BEI, he was taken under the wing of Gary Nelson, CEO, Primedia Face 2 Face CEO, and Joshila Hari the group's Finance Executive to take part in a fantastic mentorship programme for black owned businesses during 2008 and 2009. Primedia Face 2 Face will provide financial, sales and marketing advice and assistance for the business. Lebo believes the mentorship programme will lead to increased sales and turnover, which in turn will create more jobs and opportunities for the local tourism market in Soweto. For those interested in the mentorship program, please visit Primedia Face 2 Face’s press office at http://www.bizcommunity.com/pressoffice.aspx?i=436 or contact Lebo Malepa directly at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers lebo@sowetobackpackers.com.
EVENTS
The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival, Lesotho, 1-5 October 2008
The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival, a unique celebration in Lesotho, is held every year in Morija and reflects the traditional as well as the modern culture of the people of Lesotho. The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival is organised by the Morija Museum and Archives. The festival is supported by the Lesotho government as well as the Basotho Royal Family. If you have any questions, please email or call Kate Chisholm on kate@atasatrust.co.za or 011 8360105.
TFCA 2010: Tourism Investment Conference, Sandton, Johannesburg, 20-22 October 2008
The key objectives of the event are to raise awareness of the southern Africa region’s significant investment potential and market a portfolio of unique, packaged tourism investment opportunities in the seven existing Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) to interested organisations and individuals. This is a unique opportunity to be among the first investors to gain insights into what the TFCAs have to offer in terms of new high return on investment tourism, hospitality and leisure projects. For more information please send enquires to Denise Spaull on denise@omegainvest.co.za or 021 689 7881.
Fair Trade South Africa (FTSA) AGM and Fair Trade Conference, Stellenbosch. Cape Town, 22-23 October 2008
On 22-23 October Fair Trade South Africa (FTSA) will be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Fair Trade Conference. All Fair Trade stakeholders are invited to participate in this event, which will take place at the Sustainability Institute near Stellenbosch. If you need more information on the AGM or Conference Programme, please visit www.fairtrade.org.za or if you would like to attend please RSVP to Klarissa at klarissa@fairtrade.org.za.
2008 Africa SMME Awards, Cape Town, 23 October 2008
This unique annual awards program has been established specifically to acknowledge, encourage and celebrate excellence amongst African Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME). The Awards aim to afford successful SMMEs valuable exposure and well-deserved recognition for their global expansion ambitions. Award winners will feature prominently in the media, with the dual aim of helping the African SMME business sector grow and prosper, and marketing Africa as an investment destination for the rest of the world. The Awards function itself will feature keynote speaker Dr. Rob Davies, Deputy Minister in the South African government’s Department of Trade & Industry. For more information contact Dina Potgieter on dina@africagrowth.com or visit http://www.africagrowth.com/Africa_SMME.htm .
Eco Storm - a movement for Sustainable Tourism Destination Development, Basecamp Masai Mara, Kenya, 17-20 November 2008
Eco Storm is a global resource for sustainable tourism destination development. Initiated and directed by the Basecamp Explorer Group, and sustained by a strong network of experts and practitioners, Eco Storm Masai Mara will provide the opportunity to explore tools and practices to ensure that the ecological balance, local livelihoods and product quality are not left without proper attention. Workshop facilitators include Justin Francis from Responsible Travel.com, Dr. Murray Simpson from the Centre of Environment Oxford University, Judy Kepher Gona from Eco Tourism Kenya and Dr. Lars Lindkvist from Basecamp Foundation. For more information on the workshop contact Ms Tina Frisk on tina@basecampexplorer.com or register before 30 September 2008 at www.eco-storm.net.
Regional Dialogue Yebo (REDY) workshop, Birchwood Hotel and O.R Tambo Conference Centre, Johannesburg, 18-19 November 2008
Aid to Artisans, in collaboration with its subsidiary organisation Aid to Artisans South Africa Trust, is facilitating REDY (Regional Dialogue Yebo) in November 2008. This is a unique opportunity for those who are committed to improving the quality of life for artisans and craft entrepreneurs in Southern Africa in order to develop strategies for sustainable growth. Some of the objectives for this workshop are to maximize business success with increased knowledge of current trends in the global and regional tourist markets and to develop strategies to capitalise on the growing green market. FTTSA’s Jennifer Seif will be making a presentation on tourism supply and demand in Southern Africa. If you would like to be considered for a free hotel room, register by 10 September 2008. For more information and registration visit www.aidtoartisans.org.
Did you know?
If we recycled another 10% of our printer and toner cartridges, we would cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million pounds - the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road for an entire year.
http://www.gauteng.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=342&Itemid=386
In Australia, the total number of backpackers in the year ending June 30, 2008 rose to 564,000 (up from 425,000 in 2007) staying an average 70 nights and spending A$5,485, meaning the sector is now worth more than $3 billion to the Australian economy annually.
www.tra.australia.com |
