Fair Trade Tourism has signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with Ecotourism Kenya.

The MRA recognises Ecotourism Kenya’s Gold eco-certified camps, lodges and hotels, which can now be incorporated by approved tour operators into Fair Trade Holidays. Kenya’s Eco-rating Certification Scheme is a sustainable voluntary certification programme that has certified over 100 facilities across Kenya.

Twenty-nine of the Ecotourism Kenya Eco-rating scheme gold standard facilities will be recognised by Fair Trade Tourism.

Ecotourism Kenya Chairman Mohanjeet Brar said the Ecotourism Kenya mission was in line with Fair Trade Tourism: “Ecotourism Kenya has a mission to ensure that hotels, camps and lodges have a minimum effect on the environment; that staff are treated fairly and employed ethically; and that, where possible, income generated by tourism finds its way back into the local community.”

“We are thrilled to have formalised our partnership with Ecotourism Kenya,” added Fair Trade Tourism non-executive Director, Jane Edge. “This means that it is now possible to travel the Fair Trade way in eight countries – Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, as well as Kenya.”

Fair Trade Tourism is a leading Southern African non-profit organisation promoting responsible tourism development.