Eco-travel in Africa makes a difference May 13, 2008
Posted by Ralph Pina in : Community, Sustainability, Tourism, ecotourism , 1 comment so far
The title of this post is also ecoAfrica’s slogan, and one of the questions it immediately raises is: what sort of a difference? Another would be: what is “eco-travel”? These questions - and their answers - go to the heart of what ecotourism really is.
Let’s take the second question first: what is eco-travel? Without entering into a debate about eco-travel - or ecotourism - definitions, it is worth pointing out that ecotourism represents a travel ethic rather than a market segment or type of tourism. It is purposeful travel, where the salient purpose, besides experiencing Nature, is the preservation of Nature.
Two generally accepted definitions of ecotourism are:
Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
Ecotourism Association of Australia
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
The Iniquitous Practice of Two Tier Pricing November 20, 2007
Posted by Clarissa Hughes in : Tourism , 4comments
There are not that many things in life that get my hackles up. But two tier pricing in the tourism industry, for African and non-African residents, is one of them.
I think the practice arose back in the 1980’s when South Africa was the world’s pariah and the sub-continent’s tourism industry was tarred with the same brush (foreigners had to fly via South Africa to get to any of its neighbouring countries). In those days the industry was largely dependent on the South African market and any foreign revenue was seen as the cream-on-top. I imagine the thinking went something along the lines of: “Well if they’ve taken the trouble and risk of being ostracized to come, they really must want to and therefore they’ll pay.” It was common practice well into the 1990’s in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe to have a price for South African residents and another, higher price, for non-South African residents. (more…)
Zimbabwe: eco-tourism pariah or a case for compassion? August 1, 2007
Posted by Clarissa Hughes in : News, ecotourism , 2comments
With the news of the revocation of the law that would force all imports of fuel and essential food stuffs to be done by the Government of Zimbabwe, (it was scheduled for midnight last night and repealed at the 11th hour), the tourism industry and, indeed, the country heaves a sigh of relief. Enforcement of this law in Zimbabwe’s uncontainable economic plunge would have, no doubt, brought things to a political head but would also have caused untold suffering.
