September 26, 2023by Sasha Ella

Tourism’s sustainable future

World Tourism Day

‘Look after the land and the land will look after you,

destroy the land and it will destroy you’ [Aboriginal Proverb]

Tourism is no longer just about sightseeing and having a great vacation. It’s a dynamic industry that presents opportunities to explore, to open your mind to new experiences and to view the world differently. It is also one of the fastest growing industries that drives economies and creates millions of jobs worldwide, contributing significantly to the GDP of many countries.

Rethinking Tourism

While tourism creates jobs, it also strengthens the local economy and contributes to local infrastructure development. It is a catalyst for conserving the natural environmental, cultural assets and traditions and reducing poverty and inequality.

As custodians of the environment in which we operate, we embrace sustainability as a core principle, recognising how our actions today impact the future. This dovetails perfectly with the 2023 World Tourism Day theme: ‘Investing in a green future’. At Mantis, we strive to implement eco-friendly practices, support local communities and minimise our carbon footprint. It’s about preserving the very attractions that draw tourists to our properties.

‘Eco-tourism is about creating opportunities for people to connect with nature in a meaningful way, while providing economic benefits to local communities’ [Dr Kelly Bricker]

We question how, as an industry, we can contribute to a greener future and how you, as tourists, can too.

Nearly every section of tourism – from luxury resorts, wilderness safaris, cruise lines and airlines – is implementing innovative solutions to consider the environment. The industry is investing in people and the planet, working to protect and restore ecosystems, in collaboration with local communities with far-reaching positive socio- economic impacts.

Still …more needs to be done.

Tourists too, are far more aware and a recent survey revealed that responsible travel has becoming increasingly popular, with around 81% of travellers worldwide believing in the importance of sustainable travel.

Our promise of a sustainable tomorrow

Investing in a green future is not a distant dream, it’s a reality. For over two decades, we have made a conscious decision to protect the environment, natural resources, wildlife and the cultural heritage of neighbouring communities. We pride ourselves on creating authentic experiences that bring tourists, nature and communities together to celebrate diversity.

‘The environment is where we all meet, where all have a mutual interest,

It is the one thing all of us share’

Sustainability is a learning journey and we continue to recalibrate and introduce programmes to minimise our impact on the environment. Whether this is cultivating organic food gardens or eliminating single use plastic, offering sustainable guest amenities, harnessing the power of the sun, recycling, implementing rain recovery systems or wastewater treatment plants.

Through our preferred NPO partner, the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) we implement projects that protect the environment and wildlife, by creating sustainable partnerships with communities. To date, CCFA have invested over R12 million to uplift communities and preserve our natural heritage.

How you can help

As a tourist, you too have an important role to play in tourism’s transformation.

Choose eco-friendly accommodation by booking hotels and lodges that have made sustainability a priority by conserving energy, reducing waste and using water responsibly
Offset your carbon emissions by planting trees
Be a culturally sensitive traveller, respecting the diverse customs and traditions of the locals you encounter
Reduce, reuse, recycle – minimise your waste
Buy local. Support local communities by buying their products, dining at their restaurants and embracing their heritage
Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to ensure the natural beauty of the destination you visit remains unspoiled.

‘The planet’s alarm is going off,

It’s time to wake up and take action’ [Leonardo de Caprio]

The world is at a crossroads. The tourism industry is recognising its responsibility and the importance of green tourism. Together we can pave the way for exciting adventures that celebrate rarity while ensuring a more sustainable tomorrow.