Large European tour operators are ramping up efforts to align with new European Union (EU) sustainability regulations through measures such as on-site impact assessments to ensure compliance with human rights and environmental standards across their supply chains.

Recently, German and Austrian operators, together with the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism and local partner Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), conducted a 10-day impact assessment of their tourism suppliers in Cape Town, Johannesburg and the greater Kruger National Park.

The assessment directly aligns with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) adopted last year. The CSDDD requires companies with at least 1 000 employees and €450 million annual turnover to identify, assess and address potential and actual negative impacts on human rights and the environment across their operations and supply chains.

Participating operators included DERTOUR Group and Studiosus Reisen München from Germany as well as Kneissl Touristik from Austria.

FTT Communications and Engagement Coordinator Rachel Nxele explained that the assessments are informed by general human rights indices for South Africa with fair wages and workers identified as high-risk areas.

“The objective is to determine whether these risks are significant within the tourism sector and, if so, how European tour operators might be able to positively influence related risk mitigation in their supply chains,” said Nxele.

Initial outcomes from the impact assessment will be presented at ITB Berlin on March 6.

Influence on supplier selection

Nxele cautioned that the new regulations will influence supplier selection.

“Businesses that fail to demonstrate reduced risk in areas such as labour rights and environmental impact could risk exclusion from European supply chains as responsible tourism commitments become standard procurement criteria.”

DERTOUR Group – one of Europe’s largest tour operators – updated its supplier code of conduct in December 2024 to reflect its due diligence obligations.

“DERTOUR Group is aware of its responsibility towards the host countries, their cultures as well as their customers, partners, employees and society. Our goal is, therefore, to strengthen human and environmental rights and to prevent, minimise and remedy any violations. This commitment applies to our own business activities and to our global supply chains,” the code states.

Among other requirements, the code elaborates that suppliers “should determine impacts of business activities on human rights and environmental rights and address any identified risks and/or violations appropriately”.

Recognising best practices

Nxele stressed FTT’s role in promoting South Africa’s responsible tourism track record and providing operators with essential contextual background.

“South Africa is already a leader in sustainability with responsible tourism deeply embedded in our young yet dynamic democracy. We have long demonstrated innovative approaches to conservation, fair labour practices and inclusive economic growth.”

To demonstrate this, FTT facilitated visits to FTT-certified businesses to showcase best practices. “This afforded the project team the opportunity to experience how risk is mitigated in a business that has been independently audited for every single item on its human rights impact assessment questionnaire,” said Nxele.

FTT highlighted comprehensive legislation already in place, under the principles of a progressive Constitution, to protect workers’ rights.

“Our country also has advanced labour legislation, including a legislated minimum wage and fair labour practices, which safeguards workers’ rights. Freedom of association is entrenched in our Constitution and unions are legally recognised, ensuring workers have a voice and access to representation within the workplace.”

Nxele encouraged suppliers to participate in FTT’s development and certification process. “FTT presents a critical opportunity in this space as it provides a structured framework for South African tourism businesses to align with these international directives in a way that is attainable and contextually relevant as well as credible independent verification.”

Germany was South Africa’s third-largest overseas source market in 2024, accounting for over 254 000 arrivals. The Austrian market contributed just over 21 000 arrivals.