An organisation in South Africa has awarded four tourism businesses with its groundbreaking ‘fair trade’ trademark.
The concept of fair trade has been recognised for some time in industries such as coffee production, but this is apparently the first times it has been applied to a tourism product. The annual sales of fair trade products globally is reputedly in excess of US$500 million.
The organisation, called Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certifies travel products according to “fair” labour practices. The sort of criteria that needs to be met includes fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.
The four businesses awarded the trademark were: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Mpumalanga), Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge (Limpopo), Stormsriver Adventures (Eastern Cape) and The Village at Spier Hotel and Conference Centre (Western Cape).
According to FTTSA, these businesses are the first in the world to be certified for their work in promoting fair trade in tourism. FTTSA was established by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in 2001 to promote the development of sustainable tourism in South Africa.
FTTSA national coordinator, Jennifer Seif said: “The Fair Trade Trademark not only gives responsible tourism companies recognition for their efforts, but helps them to benefit from the growing number of socially conscious tourists attracted to this region.”
