Fair Trade Tourism has signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with Eco Awards Namibia, which certifies establishments that keep to a standard of environmental care and implement sustainable practices for the future of the immediate environment, the company and the people.

Under the terms of the MRA, Fair Trade Tourism’s approved travel trade partners and tour operators can now incorporate Eco Awards Namibia’s Five Desert Flower tourism products in their product listings as well as including them in Fair Trade Holidays.

The Five Desert Flower recipients are Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, Namib Desert Lodge, Etosha Safari Camp and Safari Lodge and tour operator Ultimate Safaris.

Fair Trade Tourism has certified tourism products in Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa and has signed mutual recognition partnerships in Seychelles, Tanzania and now Namibia.

“We are delighted to welcome Eco Awards Namibia as one of our mutually recognised partners,” says Fair Trade Tourism MD, Nivashnee Naidoo. “The addition of the Five Desert Flower businesses to Fair Trade Holiday packages is exciting for all of our approved tour operators marketing these sustainable, responsible holidays.”

“Namibia is by default a sustainable tourism destination and Eco Awards Namibia generally aims to increase awareness in this regard,” says Eco Awards Namibia’s Programme Co-ordinator, Hazel Milne. “Namibia is also a country populated by pioneers in the field of sustainable tourism. Eco Awards Namibia salutes these individuals and, through this MRA, we hope our stories will reach a wider audience.”