July 30, 2009

Have you ever visited a great Caribbean resort, enjoyed the fantastic waters, beautiful sights and time to relax, and then gone for a meal where the staff are withdrawn and have a sense of hopelessness about them?  I have, and it's something that leaves a pit in my stomach.  I am not picking on the Caribbean and I will continue to visit its amazing places, but this experience has fueled a passion for discovering sustainable tourism wherever I go.

Eco-tourism and green travel are 2 topics all over travel publications these days.  It is a subject that is growing rapidly, with full force, and is my single greatest motivation for doing what I do, because I know that I can direct my clients' travel dollars into the right hands and will make a significant impact on the locals and their environment.  But what I have noticed when talking to clients is that there is not a great, common understanding of what eco-tourism is.  As a result, 'green washing' is a common practice by many travel providers. 

So, what is a good, solid definition of eco-tourism?  What does that look like and who does it appeal to?  This is a topic I have become quite the expert on - when it comes to Africa.  First and foremost, I want my clients to understand is that there is NO sacrifice when it comes to experiencing eco-tourism. I don't know why, but there is some general belief that eco-tourism means staying at a place with no air conditioning and running water, with cardboard toilet paper.  This is so far from the truth.

For me, eco-tourism is a philosophy that uses tourism and its associated economic benefits to combine care and preservation of the environment (in Africa, this includes both the land and the wildlife) with care, preservation and betterment of the local communities.  In other words, a certain geographic destination might have fantastic tourism assets - like sights and wildlife, and eco-tourism is the channel for creating revenues, some of which can go towards preserving the land, caring for the wildlife and supporting local communities.  It should be a win-win-win for everybody. 

What I would love to be a commonly held belief is that Africa has one of the best eco-tourism infrastructures in the world.  Unfortunately, it's not that well known.  In fact, South Africa is the only country in the world that has a Fair Trade label applied to the tourism sector, known as the FTTSA, which stands for Fair Trade in Tourism of South Africa.  This week's e-zine article goes into more detail about sustainable travel and the FTTSA.  I hope you enjoy!

Meredith Hill

Have you ever thought you could help rid poverty by taking a trip to Africa?

Positioned as the leading continent in eco-tourism, Africa is taking the right steps toward bringing conservation, communities, and commerce together to ensure stable and thriving wildernesses across the African continent, surrounding bodies of water, and neighboring continents.

In other words, eco-tourism encourages conscientious travel to unspoiled wildernesses to ensure their preservation, and to sustain the local economy and its people. When the proceeds from eco-tourism companies are given to employees—who are locals—the money then goes directly back into the local economy—the epitome of a win-win situation.

How does eco-tourism benefit everyone?

• The local economy is stimulated by proceeds from eco-tourism.
• Travelers experience intimate settings, indescribable learning opportunities, and are able to interact with the locals and truly immerse themselves into the local culture. Many travelers quickly realize that they are equally, if not more fascinated by the local cultures and their knowledge of nature than they are with observing Africa's wild game from the privacy of their own suite. Nothing is comparable to becoming enlightened and inspired by a local culture through direct interaction.
• Locals are employed and are able to apply their natural born skills, and share their knowledge of the land and their culture in new ways.
• The environment has the chance to thrive and live on.
• Non renewable natural resources are consumed at a lower rate—ensuring a more stable supply.
• Local communities can rejoice and participate in a more steady local economy.

As Africa's precious wildlife, parks, and forests continue to be devastated by poaching, habitat loss, and hunting, we are beginning to see the unfortunate affects unravel as we observe animals that were once thriving become highly endangered. Because of the rapid growth of these threats, Africa's wildlife and natural world are being valued less and protected less. This is where the inspiration for eco-tourism arose.

The essence of eco-tourism is that in order for the future of Africa's natural world to be saved, there must be continuous, proactive conservation efforts across the globe, and these efforts must be sustainably funded by conservation-ecotourism.

Dedicated to lending a hand in providing a bright future for Africa, Hills of Africa Travel is proud to be the first US-based operator to offer Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) itineraries, showcasing Fair Trade labeled tourism establishments within South Africa.

The FTTSA trademark is awarded to eligible tourism establishments that meet stringent criteria, undergo extensive on-site inspections, and are subject to ongoing surveillance. The FTTSA label is a statement that the tourism establishment adheres to consistent guidelines resulting in fair wages, satisfactory working conditions, ethical business practices, and respect for human rights, culture, and the environment.

We work with the best eco-tourism companies to ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime. Our preferred eco-tourism companies offer exceptional service, wonderful accommodations, exciting activities, and breath-taking views.

When Hills of Africa Travel guides you on an FTTSA itinerary, you support these establishments and further the good that they are doing. You also get a glimpse of the different ways of life in South Africa and learn about fascinating local cultures.

Soul Safari - October 19-27, 2009

Experience this once-in-this-lifetime journey to South Africa where you will uncover the innermost secrets of your life's purpose and discover the spiritual pathway to Living the Life Your Soul Intended.

Join author and psychic Ainslie MacLeod on an expedition to uncover your soul's unique purpose in this life. On this 9-day Soul Safari, you'll explore the mysteries of the life plan your soul created before you were even born, and learn to harness your own spirituality to create a happier and more fulfilling future-one of total self-acceptance and endless potential.

Go to www.hillsofafrica.com/Soul_Safari/Soul_Safari.html to learn more.

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.

We offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

Hills of Africa Travel is a team of extraordinary travel agents and tour operators who are passionate about sharing the magic of Africa through first-hand knowledge and exemplary customer service. Our expert knowledge, experience, and passion for our customers allow us to create a personalized safari adventure of a lifetime for all travelers.

Whether you're taking a romantic honeymoon safari, a fun-filled family safari, or have always dreamed of experiencing the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife, our exceptional agents and dedicated tour operators are here to provide you with the perfect African safari vacation.

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The Hills of Africa Travel Newsletter is written by Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle and Hillsofafrica.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com

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