We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and Cape Town and the Western Cape attract visitors from across the globe. A more mindful approach to tourism that respects the natural and cultural environment, and contributes in an ethical manner to local economic development, is essential. Responsible tourism should be an integral part of the tourism development plan for the event, as it plays an important role in contributing to the country’s sustainable development and responsible tourism legacy. Tourism should be environmentally friendly, with a focus on local economic development and social justice.
The development and marketing of tourism packages that emphasise environmentally friendly and socially responsible activities, for example hiking trips in natural areas, or township tours providing economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities, should be promoted. Accommodation facilities are encouraged to improve their environmental footprint, and provide guests with technical, organisational and behavioural options for a more resource-efficient stay. Activities should focus on effective resource management (energy, water and waste) and promote social responsible investment benefiting local communities.
The projects
Project progress
Code of responsible conduct for visitors
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) and Cape Town Tourism (CTT) have jointly developed a code of responsible conduct for visitors and tourism product owners/operators, building on the Cape Town Declaration. An abridged code was included in the 2009 Cape Town Official Visitor’s Guide, and will feature in the 2010 Official Visitor’s Guide, as well as in the 2010 Official Fan’s Guide.
"Code of Responsible conduct for Visitors" (RT Tips.doc)
The CoCT was approached by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to participate in a pilot project to roll out the UNEP Green Passport, which contains helpful tips for responsible tourism/travelling. Further discussions are under way.
Lessons learnt on code of responsible conduct for visitors
The sustainability of a code published in hard-copy format, for example in the form of a Green Passport, must be determined before the project is implemented. Funding may not be available in future to continue with the project. It is more sustainable to load the code onto relevant websites, and summarise the content for inclusion in visitor’s guides.
Responsible tourism awareness and training
CTT is planning to present a responsible tourism awareness and training course to the industry as part of its service excellence programme. The training will be based on the contents of the CoCT Smart Living Handbook. The training programme is currently being scoped for implementation in the first half of 2010.
Environmental accreditation system for accommodation sector: GreenStaySA
Reducing the carbon footprint of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is a key component of hosting the event. The accommodation sector is second only to transport in terms of its environmental impact.
GreenStaySA is an online information resource and accreditation system that supports the move towards improved environmental performance in the accommodation sector. It provides guidance and support to facilities that wish to improve their environmental footprint and operate in an environmentally responsible manner. All accommodation establishments, however small, can use the GreenStaySA tools and resources in order to improve their environmental footprint.
The tools and resources that have been developed include the following:
- A self-assessment tool to assess current environmental performance
- A technical manual to assist accommodation establishments in the implementation of environmental interventions
GreenStaySA has its origin in a pilot project run in 2004 under the Cleaner Production programme of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP). Nine accommodation establishments participating in the pilot were audited for energy and water consumption and management, and waste management. A need for a certification programme was identified during the pilot project. The development of such programme was subsequently funded by DEADP and, more recently, the British High Commission. Certification of tourism businesses under GreenStaySA will commence as soon as Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA) finalises national minimum standards for responsible tourism.
Responsible tourism training workshops are being convened by the DEADP and GreenStaySA throughout the Western Cape.
Currently, GreenStaySA is working with DWEA, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, Indalo Yethu, and Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa to develop and implement a national standard for responsible tourism and an accreditation system for certification agencies in South Africa.
"GreenStaySA Brochure"
Lessons learnt on environmental accreditation system
A very small proportion (less than 500) of tourism enterprises in South Africa are currently certified by ‘responsible tourism’ schemes, compared to 8 457 in the country that have a star rating from the Tourism Grading Council. Although the low level of uptake by tourism enterprises in South Africa is not unusual when compared to global experience, it is an indication that responsible tourism certification is not yet mainstreamed in South Africa. Half of certified tourism products in South Africa are accredited by more than one scheme, and more than half are considering accreditation by a further scheme, indicating that schemes are not comprehensive across environmental, social and economic criteria. GreenStaySA has positioned itself as an environmentally focused scheme, with social and economic criteria.
Delays in rolling out GreenStaySA for 2010 are due to the Department of Tourism process to formalise national minimum standards for responsible tourism, which are expected to be published in late 2009.
Key references and source material
- City of Cape Town. 2007. Smart Living Handbook. Making sustainable development a reality in Cape Town homes.
- Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. April 2009. Towards national minimum standards for responsible tourism and an accreditation system for certification agencies. Phase 1 Situation Analysis. (Unpublished)
- Sustainable Energy Africa. April 2009. A Green Goal 2010 Workshop: Taking Responsibility for Tourism during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. “Host City Cape Town 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Responsible Tourism Declaration”.
Please find the training manual and accreditation criteria on www.greenstaysa.org.za