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Urban Eco Chic Joburg Hotel Gets Fair Trade Certification
Wednesday, 06 Mar, 2010
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Fair Trade TSA welcomed its newest certified tourism business: The Peech Hotel which appeals to those seeking a contemporary and chic yet eco-friendly experience of Johannesburg. This eco- boutique hotel is centrally located in Melrose, close to business districts such as Melrose Arch, Rosebank and Sandton.
FTTSA certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.
FTTSA endorses the idea that tourism businesses should strive to be sustainable through activities such as responsible use of resources, local purchasing and employment and community social investment (CSI) to name a few. Owner James Peech continues to create a sustainable and carbon-neutral environment for guests and staff through innovative environmental management, ongoing community investment initiatives and local procurement.
The Peech Hotel demonstrates a great commitment towards operating in an environmentally responsible manner. The business has excellent operational measures in place such as solar- water geysers for the entire property as well as drinking water that is filtered on site and makes use of refillable glass bottles (reducing the use of plastic bottles). In addition, rain and grey water from baths and showers is processed and recycled for use in the Peech’s lush and leafy garden, which also has its own herb garden.
The Peech Hotel has a long-standing and serious commitment to investment in its local community where it supports Little Eden Childrens’ Home1. The hotel also donates relevant items (linen, crockery, etc) to the charity and allows the staff of Little Eden to stay at the hotel as an incentive for top performance. Guests are also able to support this charity by voluntarily contributing R5 for each night that they stay at the hotel; The Peech Hotel then matches the donation and reports progress on their website.
Procurement is important to FTTSA because it is a mechanism for boosting local economic impact. The Peech Hotel gives preference to local and BEE-rated businesses and purchases Fair Trade products on a regular basis. Support for new and emerging suppliers in the local area is significant: for example, the hotel assisted a local man to obtain a car loan and guaranteed that they will utilise his services for guest transfers and staff transport. In addition, the hotel also assisted a local woman to establish her laundry business by supporting her on a regular basis.
According to Lolla Meyer, FTTSA Marketing Manager, “The Peech Hotel mixes together sustainability, creativity and city living to give guests a contemporary and environmentally friendly experience that ultimately benefits staff, local businesses and the local community. The Peech Hotel proves that responsible tourism and sustainability in an urban environment is attainable and relatively uncomplicated.”
Valere Tjolle
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