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Sustainable tourism in Africa has received a great boost with the signing of a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) between Fair Trade Tourism a leading Southern African non-profit organisation promoting responsible tourism development and Ecotourism Kenya.
The MRA sees Fair Trade Tourism recognising Ecotourism Kenya’s Gold eco-certified camps, lodges and hotels which can now be incorporated by approved tour operators into Fair Trade Holidays – holiday packages that represent global best practice in responsible tourism.
These packages feature a minimum of 50% bed nights spent in a Fair Trade Tourism certified (or recognised) property and can also feature certified activities as well as tours which contribute towards this percentage.
Launched in 2002 and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Ecotourism Kenya’s Eco-rating Certification Scheme is a sustainable tourism voluntary certification programme that has certified more than 100 facilities across Kenya.
“In line with Fair Trade Tourism, Ecotourism Kenya has a mission to ensure that hotels, camps and lodges have a minimum effect on the environment; that staff are treated fairly and employed ethically; and that, where possible, income generated by tourism finds its way back into the local community,” says Ecotourism Kenya Chairman Dr Mohanjeet Brar.
“Our MRA with Fair Trade Tourism is an endorsement of Kenya’s leading green accommodation facilities that have demonstrated outstanding best practices in responsible resource use, environmental conservation and are mindful of the welfare of local people,” says Ecotourism Kenya CEO, Grace Nderitu.
“We are thrilled to have formalised our partnership with Ecotourism Kenya. This means that it is now possible to travel the Fair Trade way in eight countries – Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, as well as Kenya,” says Jane Edge, Non-Executive Director, Fair Trade Tourism.
Sourse: travelnewsdigest.in
 between Fair Trade Tourism a leading Southern African non-profit organisation promoting responsible tourism development and Ecotourism Kenya. The MRA sees Fair Trade… "Pin It")