Cape Country Routes – Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Not only as a response to the stricter European Union (EU) regulations on sustainability reporting and the related consequences for South African tourism products forming part of the greater supply chain, the call for tourism businesses and organisations to re-think their commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism is becoming louder and clearer.     

What do we refer to when we talk about sustainable and responsible tourism? 

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) defines the matter as follows:  "Sustainable Tourism refers to sustainable practices in and by the tourism industry. It is an aspiration to acknowledge all impacts of tourism, both positive and negative and it aims to minimise the negative impacts and maximise the positive ones."

Recent studies underline that travellers are looking for ways “to experience the world in a more mindful and responsible way.  (…) More and more, they are carving out regenerative experiences that positively impact destinations with benefits to wildlife, conservation and the local community, and engaging in local philanthropy and ethical experiences” (Source:  Booking.com Sustainable Travel report).  It is becoming clear that sustainable tourism is not a topic of the future, it is a topic that had never been more relevant. 

Challenges such as climate change, pressure on resources, communities and threats to endangered species call for a true commitment to traveling more aware, conscious and respectful. The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) reminds us that “The African tourism product is highly dependent on the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of a rich cultural identity, accessed through authentic visitor experiences.”

With many of our Cape Country Routes suppliers* being certified members of organisations such as Fair Trade Tourism, and others such as Gonana Collection being pioneers in the field of strict eco-conscious practices, the collective has always shown a strong commitment to providing world-class tourism experiences in a sustainable and responsible manner. 

To further manifest the true commitment and greater vision, we have asked all our accommodation and activities suppliers to adopt and follow our 4 pillars of sustainable and responsible tourism:

• Fair Pay
• Best Environmental and Humanitarian Ethics
• Safety
• Responsibility

Fair Pay

All participants involved in a tourism activity receive fair share of the income, in direct proportion to their contribution to the service provided.

Best Environmental and Humanitarian Ethics

Our hosts are committed to pay highest respect to human rights and the environment. This includes:

• Safe working conditions and practices\
• Promoting gender equality and fostering an empowering, tolerant and respectful work environment\
• Reducing the consumption of water and energy, and contributing towards creating renewable energy sources for off-the-grid tourism
• Following the principles of “low carbon footprint travel” by reducing, reusing and recycling of waste
• Sourcing local and localising supply chains as much as possible, thereby supporting communities and reducing negative impact on the environment
• Conservation of biodiversity and natural resources

 
Safety

Basic safety and security for both hosts and visitor are ensured.

Responsibility

• Establishing mechanisms of responsibility, transparency and accountability. 
• Responsible use of available resources through networking, partnerships, knowledge sharing and best practice exchange.

A further contribution towards protecting our precious eco-system is ensured by the commitment to plant a Spekboom plant for every booking received from Cape Country Routes Central Reservations.  The easy-to-grow and extremely waterwise Spekboom (Portulacaria afra), a succulent plant native to South Africa also often referred to as a “wonder plant”, has remarkable properties that are vital to our eco-system and have the potential to contribute towards combating climate change. Besides some medicinal values, its superpowers include a great carbon sequestration ability, coupled with its potential for reducing soil erosion and greening deforested areas. In addition, the spekboom flowers are nectar-rich and provide food for many insects and endangered bees. 

As part of a greater vision we are committed to doing “our bit” as mindsets change from sustainable travel being the exception to becoming the norm, and treading lightly while traveling becoming a non-negotiable...

….and we look forward to planting many more spekboom plants as tourism continues to strive!  Let's remember that everywhere we travel, we enrich the lives of those we encounter along the way.

Should you be interested in receiving a copy of our Cape Country Routes’ Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Tourism form, or wish to have more info on the individual contributions of our suppliers, please contact Anke.

*Certified Fairtrade Members:  Montagu Country Hotel, Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours or De Zeekoe Guest Farm