MyGardenRouteInfo reports local tourism businesses along South Africa’s Garden Route are starting to place greater emphasis on environmental issues. In line with international trends, tourist businesses along the Garden Route are starting to see the importance of offering sustainable and environmentally friendly services and products that aim to lower carbon footprints and promote reduced impact on the natural surroundings.

The new trend which has been defined by non-profit ecotourism organisation The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people” has seen a dramatic increase throughout the world in recent years.

According to TIES, eco-tourism has been growing 20-34% per year since the early 1990s, and in 2004, eco-tourism and nature-based tourism around the world grew 3 times faster than the tourism industry as a whole.

MyGardenRouteInfo has also noted an increase in the number of businesses aligning themselves with goals outlined by the likes of TIES, but that does not mean a lowering of standards or necessitate a significant change in the individual travellers habits.

The travel website believes that luxury travel businesses can still offer unparalleled experiences but also do it in a responsible manner. This includes incorporating local communities into business models, increasing the use of energy-saving measures, as well as only making use of sustainable materials to build tourist establishments.

Leading the way in terms of responsible tourism development along the Garden Route is Phantom Forest Eco Reserve in the heart of the indigenous Knysna forest. Similar objectives have been achieved by Teniqua Treetops, situated in the Outeniqua forest, which offer eco-conscious travellers a “back to nature” collection of tree-top chalets, and places significant emphasis on long-term sustainability. Wildlife safaris are also managing to lead the way with the famous reserves of Shamwari and Addo Elephant Park providing tourists with eco-friendly activities and the chance to immerse themselves in the nature of the area.

Via EPR Network
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