| City hosts key stakeholders at inaugural Responsible Tourism Working Group session | City hosts key stakeholders at inaugural Responsible Tourism Working Group session | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City recently hosted key stakeholders from some of Cape Town’s top accommodation providers and attractions for its inaugural Responsible Tourism Working Group session.<br></p> | <p></p><span><p>The group discussed a plan of action that would realise continued and expanded practices in tourism that create better places for people to live in and better places to visit. </p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Resp%20Tourism%201.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:948px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Cape Town has long been a city beloved by travellers from all over the globe. This holiday season is yet more evidence of that with an expected record-breaking 1 million inbound international air travellers. People come here to experience the rich diversity of natural beauty, cultures and communities. Responsible tourism is about preserving and respecting those elements for the benefit of people and products,’ said Alderman Vos. </p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Resp%20Tourism%202.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:855px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Alderman Vos cited the economic case for tourism rooted in responsible practices by noting the Expedia Sustainable Travel Report 2022 which found that 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when travelling. The study further found that seven in 10 consumers have avoided a destination or transportation option because they felt it was not truly committed to responsible practices.</p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Resp%20Tourism%203.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:951px;" /> </figure></span><div>‘This study shows that the majority of tourists want travel options that lessen environmental impacts and support local economies, cultures and communities. This is something that we fully recognise. In the coming months, our aim is to share a new charter that outlines the reasoning and means of responsible tourism that operators can adhere to,’ said Alderman Vos. </div><div><br></div><div>Tying in with the theme of responsible tourism, Alderman Vos later joined the team at the Grand Hotel at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Goodwood to celebrate their re-opening following a R122 million upgrade of the site. </div><div><br></div><div>GrandWest is part of the Sun International group and is the biggest casino and leisure complex in South Africa. Construction started in November 2022 and was marked by a sod-turning ceremony officiated by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.</div><div><br></div><div>The revamp saw the addition of 68 rooms, bringing the hotel’s total to 103. Further additions include a spa and indoor heated swimming pool.</div><div><br></div><div>‘It’s also worthwhile noting that this development is keeping sustainability top of mind and will be the first of the Sun International sites to install green energy solutions and will be used as a pilot for the group’s other projects. One of the features in this regard is an R18 million water purification plant giving the hotel the capability to go entirely off grid. Through tourism, we can continue to honour the communities and cultures of Cape Town while realising meaningful economic growth for those same people,’ said Alderman Vos. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>End</strong><br></div><p><br></p> | 2023-12-03T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#ea029b7c-57da-4473-89b9-06ecd3b49623;L0|#0ea029b7c-57da-4473-89b9-06ecd3b49623|business and trade;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#36a1168d-a508-46b6-bc80-b2e9f2f35a0b;L0|#036a1168d-a508-46b6-bc80-b2e9f2f35a0b|Community and Society;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c0bd80ab-ddde-4d05-9b72-51c84ecc2c9d;L0|#0c0bd80ab-ddde-4d05-9b72-51c84ecc2c9d|jobs;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
