Overview

Tourism is the world’s largest service industry.  Due to its nature and size, tourism-related activities often contribute to environmental and social problems that damage destinations and communities, especially the poor.

Around the world movements to promote sustainable tourism have developed to help combat the negative impacts of tourism.  According to the UNWTO, sustainable tourism makes optimal use of environmental resources, conserves natural heritage and biodiversity, respects the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserves their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contributes to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance. It ensures sustainable economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, and contribute to poverty alleviation.

Thus, as travellers, it is our duty to minimize our negative impacts and maximize the benefits of our holidays.  Sustainable tourism is about experiencing a destination without damaging it or its people.

Unfortunately, many believe that travelling sustainably means sacrificing quality or luxury, or that it is more expensive than typical travel.  As you will find below in our list of third-party verified products, there are several options to travel sustainably that will fit into all budgets and styles of travel.  Furthermore, our ST travel tips will give you practical advice for how to travel sustainably, no matter what your travel style, or where your travels take you.

Have a memorable, sustainable holiday in southern Africa!