Why A Regional Network?
The significance of tourism as a major contributor towards the growth and development of southern African economies is becoming increasingly apparent. So is the need to duly recognise tourism enterprises whose operating policies focus on enhancing the benefits of this industry to local economies, communities and environments – enterprises engaging in “sustainable tourism” practices.
The rationale for creating a Sustainable Tourism Network in Southern Africa is based on the following:
- In southern Africa there are already several initiatives related to eco-labelling or sustainability certification in place.
- These initiatives are (currently) isolated from one another and tend to have limited capacity to reach international markets.
- There is a growing interest in creating additional certification / labelling schemes.
- Any new scheme would require orientation and collaborative guidance to ensure quality and to avoid the pitfalls experienced in other parts of the world where the proliferation of tourism labels is seen to be creating market confusion.
To tackle these obstacles the Sustainable Tourism Network Southern Africa aims to develop an integrated, regional approach to sustainable tourism and sustainable tourism certification in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
If you have any questions or would like to request more information please contact FTTSA at regional@fairtourismsa.org.za.