ETC-Africa, a KwaZulu-Natal based environment and consultancy firm has been appointed as the South Africa representative for NaturCert, a global leader in environmental certification for the hospitality industry.
Akis Laopodis, Managing Director of NaturCert said: ''Following the successful expansion to the Americas and Asia, we are now adding a new key representation to our international presence for covering South Africa, a market of strategic importance to the global tourism industry.''
Consumer demand for sustainable and responsible tourism product is growing by the day, according to Greg Garden, marketing director for the Nedbank group, "Green is no longer just a first world affluent or educated consumer cause. Contrary to popular mythology, South Africans also see the importance of green issues. Green is moving in from the fringes and will become the central consumer issue of our time, which means we have entered the eco revolution"
The future of the South African hospitality industry will rely on our readiness to meet consumer demand for responsible product, according studies undertaken by the world ecotourism society, over 63% of British tourists they consider ethical and environmental issues when deciding on a destination for their holiday, while 90% of them agreed that consider active protection of the environment, including support of local communities, to be part of a hotel’s responsibility. So how does our tourism industry meet this consumer need and ensure that we are leaders in the global responsible tourism market? Certification schemes are widespread and common throughout Europe and the Americas yet still a relatively new concept in South Africa, especially internationally recognized certification. This is where NaturCert's offerings can make a difference. NaturCert is a global leader in green & sustainability certification for the hospitality industry. NaturCert develops sustainability criteria and programs recognizing green & sustainable travel & tourism organizations. NaturCert operates through the international network of NaturCert Representative Offices and subsidiaries. Further to that, NaturCert introduces international and local initiatives promoting sustainability and environmentally responsible as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.
Duncan Pritchard from ETC-Africa says; "With the growing awareness around sustainable tourism in South Africa and the need for internationally recognized certification, we are proud to be associated with NaturCert and see this as a wonderful opportunity to launch South Africa's responsible tourism industry into the global arena."
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The appointment, is once again proof that times are crucial on a global scale regarding environmental sustainability and for everyone to be radically responsible for lowering carbon emission and climate change. Definitely a critical time for South Africa to realize they are part of the globe and to be pro-active in the participation!
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