Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris has become the latest tour operator to be approved by Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), joining the list of nearly 60 operators committed to showcasing Africa’s most responsible tourism portfolio.
Announcing the approval, Jane Edge, MD of Fair Trade Tourism, said: “Springbok Atlas carries a wealth of knowledge of South Africa’s tourism industry dating back over 71 years. Its purchasing power, coupled with Fair Trade Tourism approval, represents a major potential boost for Fair Trade Tourism certified products”.
To which Glenn McKeag, CEO of Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris, responded, “We are proud to be associated with such a worthy segment of the tourism industry and hope we can play a major role in the drive towards responsible tourism and the selection of dedicated products”.
Demonstrating its commitment to Fair Trade Tourism, Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris launched a 100% certified Fair Trade Holiday in the market place, which includes Cape Town, the Overberg coastline, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg. For an itinerary to be branded a Fair Trade Holiday, at least 50% of bed nights in the itinerary need to be at Fair Trade Tourism certified/recognised businesses.
Currently, Fair Trade Tourism has 195 businesses in its portfolio, all of which are doing exemplary work in social, economic and environmental arenas. FTT directly certifies businesses in South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and recognizes businesses certified by equivalent certification schemes in Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and the Seychelles.
