Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certified tourism businesses have the upper hand as visitors are more likely to choose an operator or accommodation offerings that encourage socio-economic development and tourism that is responsible and sustainable, over one that does not.

This was the common sentiment shared by FTT-certified tourism industry members at the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) symposium held in Johannesburg last week.

“Being FTT certified benefits tourism businesses because tourists can see that this business is on the right path with its people,” said Mfanelo Ritilili, Director of Coffee Shack Backpackers in Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape. “If tourists see you are doing something that they believe in, in terms of social development, they are more likely to choose you over another business that is not FTT certified.”

 “Businesses that are FTT certified use the FTT label to signify their commitment to fair and responsible tourism,” said Jennifer Seif, Director of Fair Trade Tourism (FTT). “This includes fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations, an equal distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.”

Lebo Malepa, Owner of Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers and Bicycle Tours said a big part of responsible tourism was creating market access by integrating tourists into the community instead of “voyeuristic tourism” where tourists view a community behind the glass window of a tour bus.

“Responsible urban tourism means that tourists experience what it’s like to be a part of the community. People share their stories and tourists eat local food with the community,” said Malepa. “We don’t see them as tourists with money, we see them as people who want to experience and learn from the community.”

“The money spent on community tours is going straight to local businesses, entrepreneurs. Tourists share in the spirit of Ubuntu and experience our way of life,” said Malepa. “We are selling community tours as a success story that breaks the common perception of townships being dangerous places.”

Michael Lutzeyer, Owner of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in Gansbaai, said there were people who wanted to experience the community and help out in community developmental projects by volunteering, but there was also a large market that did not. “This market wants luxury and they don’t want to be exposed to social economic issues. Instead, they want to do good in a different way, by choosing accommodation that is involved in responsible and sustainable tourism practices.”

“By selecting an FTT-certified business, travellers are not only assured that their holiday benefits local communities and economies, and that the business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, but they will also have a more fulfilling holiday experience,” said Seif.