Cape Town has marked World Tourism Day by announcing a greater commitment to being an eco-friendly tourist destination.
The City of Cape Town is setting out to become a green tourist destination, with a growing commitment to more sustainability.
Yesterday (September 27th) was the UN World Tourism Organisation’s World Tourism Day and this year the focus was Powering Sustainable Development.
Mayoral committee member for tourism, events and marketing at the city council Grant Pascoe said this was not just about offering those catching flights to Cape Town offsetting options such as tree planting, but doing much more.
He said: “As a long-haul destination, our carbon offset needs to be particularly good to attract travellers who may see this as a critical factor in their travel decision-making.”
The initiatives being undertaken by tourism chiefs and those working in the sector include a project in partnership with the city council under which 21 hotels are engaged in a process of monitoring progress towards sustainability and sharing best practice.
Many visitors to Cape Town make a priority of enjoying the natural wonders of the region, such as Table Mountain, the Cape Floral Kingdom and the penguins seen at locations such as Boulder’s Beach and on Robben Island.
By Alex Cochrance
