image

Fair Trade Tourism has signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with Botswana Tourism Organisation’s Ecotourism Certification System.

“Under the terms of the MRA, Fair Trade Tourism’s approved travel trade partners and tour operators can now incorporate the BTO’s Ecotourism-certified businesses in their listings regarding products that can be included in Fair Trade Holidays,” Fair Trade Tourism said in a statement.

The BTO Ecotourism-certified products include but are not limited to some safari lodges and African safari operators, including Wilderness Safaris, &Beyond and Great Plains Conservation.

“The products certified by the system are recognised the world over for their commitment to people and planet and for their work helping to conserve Botswana’s incredible natural and cultural heritage,” said Nivashnee Naidoo, Fair Trade Tourism MD.

“As pioneers in sustainable and authentic ecotourism, we are extremely proud to have worked closely with BTO over the years to develop these high ecotourism standards, and look forward to the further promotion of responsible tourism that this new MRA with Fair Trade Tourism will encourage,” said Chris Roche, Wilderness Safaris Chief Marketing Officer.

Fair Trade Tourism has product certification in Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa, as well as mutual recognition partnerships in Seychelles, Tanzania, Namibia and now Botswana.

Source: tourismupdate.co.za