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Fair trade in tourism South Africa welcomes three additional western cape establishments to portfolio
In the latest coup for tourism in the Western Cape, Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) recently certified the following three establishments: Stanford-based Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Cape Town-based The Backpack, and Robertson-based Soekershof WalkAbout.

The mission of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) is to promote the concept and principles of Fair Trade within the South African tourism industry, so that communities and workers benefit and in turn the industry is more sustainable. The FTTSA certification Trademark, awarded following a stringent vetting process, is the first in the world to endorse fair and responsible tourism practice. It is awarded to tourism businesses that adhere to Fair Trade criteria such as fair wages and working conditions; fairness in operations, purchasing and distribution of benefits; ethical business practice; and respect for human rights, culture and environment.

Grootbos Nature Reserve, for its part, conserves 1700 hectares of pristine fynbos, the Cape`s unique floral kingdom. Within its borders lies a wealth of more than 650 species of indigenous plants.

The Backpack Proprietor Toni Shina has the following to say of her establishment`s inclusion in the FTTSA portfolio: We have been operating for 16 years. FTTSA recognizes our commitment to uplifting our staff and community, and our utilisation of local service providers.

Soekershof Walk-About is also a unique establishment, consisting of outdoor mazes and botanical gardens. for proprietor Herman von Bon, FTTSA recognizes the collective benefit of community-based initiatives. In our case, this includes how we communicate with our staff on an equal level, provide training and encourage local entrepreneurs like wire art crafter Messina Joey Mussindo. Mussindo `s 2.5-metre wire Baobab tree takes pride of place at Soekershof, from where he also perfects his trade and attracts new customers including the South African Embassy in Berlin, home to one of his magnificent wire trees.

The Soekershof nursery, for its part, distinguishes itself from other specialist nurseries by providing visitors with customised cultivation information in line with local environmental conditions. Water-wise plants are sold, with a landscaping consulting service on offer. Grootbos` Green Futures is also home to an indigenous nursery, which provides learners with opportunities to interact with the public as well as income stream for the project.

FTTSA Executive Director Jennifer Seif commends each of the three new FTTSA-certified products for their respective contributions to local economic development, community and staff upliftment, environmental management and conservation of the Cape`s biodiversity. With each additional product we add to the FTTSA portfolio, we increase the visibility of Fair Trade in Tourism within our industry, making it possible for more and more tourists to `Go Fair,` she says.

By certifying and supporting new entrants to the South African tourism industry, and by linking good quality fair products to new travel channels and consumer markets, FTTSA is contributing to the growth, diversification and transformation of South African tourism. More widely, adds Seif, our work is helping to position South Africa globally as a leading responsible and sustainable tourism destination, for example through our participation in this year`s Reise Pavillon Alternative Travel Market in Germany, with the financial support of the South African Department of Trade & Industry. Theodore Koumelis - Friday, February 03, 2006