Fair Trade Tourism Increases Footprint in the UK Market
Destinations
Baobab\'s addition of four Fair Trade Tourism certified packages saw a significant increase in the number of packages available in the UK market, marking a big step towards providing the UK consumers with a wide choice of Fair Trade holiday offerings.
UK based Baobab Travel recently joined a pioneering group of international tour operators that have developed and certified Fair Trade Tourism holiday packages to South Africa. Baobab's addition of four Fair Trade Tourism certified packages saw a significant increase in the number of packages available in the UK market, marking a big step towards providing the UK consumers with a wide choice of Fair Trade holiday offerings.
Fair Trade Tourism holiday packages guarantee that the holiday benefits workers and owners of tourism businesses by requiring long-term trading relationships, full prepayment and binding cancellation agreements. An additional amount (called a premium) will be channelled directly into a central fund and used for development projects across South Africa. Fair Trade Tourism also monitors that price levels and contractual agreements are fair and that they are being followed, ensuring a fair deal especially for small and emerging tourism businesses.
By submitting both their internal operations and contractual relationships to a thorough audit against Fair Trade Tourism standards, Baobab Travel are showing complete dedication to fair and responsible tourism. Says Louise de Waal, Founder & MD at Baobab Travel, "We can hardly believe it ourselves, but it was 10 years ago this month that we launched Baobab Travel. Initially it was a dream that started with a strong love for Africa and a desire to make a difference - even if that difference was only small. The icing on the cake came today with the certification of four of our South Africa holidays as Fair Trade Tourism holiday packages. We are immensely proud of this achievement, as we are the first tour operator in the UK to provide a portfolio of trips that have been given the stamp of approval by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa. "
The Fair Trade Tourism certification programme is operated by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), endorsed by South African Tourism, and was developed in close consultation with South African and international tourism industry professionals as well as Fairtrade International and other experts.
Fair Trade Tourism holiday packages guarantee that the holiday benefits workers and owners of tourism businesses by requiring long-term trading relationships, full prepayment and binding cancellation agreements. An additional amount (called a premium) will be channelled directly into a central fund and used for development projects across South Africa. Fair Trade Tourism also monitors that price levels and contractual agreements are fair and that they are being followed, ensuring a fair deal especially for small and emerging tourism businesses.
By submitting both their internal operations and contractual relationships to a thorough audit against Fair Trade Tourism standards, Baobab Travel are showing complete dedication to fair and responsible tourism. Says Louise de Waal, Founder & MD at Baobab Travel, "We can hardly believe it ourselves, but it was 10 years ago this month that we launched Baobab Travel. Initially it was a dream that started with a strong love for Africa and a desire to make a difference - even if that difference was only small. The icing on the cake came today with the certification of four of our South Africa holidays as Fair Trade Tourism holiday packages. We are immensely proud of this achievement, as we are the first tour operator in the UK to provide a portfolio of trips that have been given the stamp of approval by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa. "
The Fair Trade Tourism certification programme is operated by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), endorsed by South African Tourism, and was developed in close consultation with South African and international tourism industry professionals as well as Fairtrade International and other experts.
Latest Articles
