Tourism: World Travel Market Seeks UN’s Intervention
The World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2008 released on November 10, said tourism development in Africa has been minimal compared to its potential. To this end, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has been urged to introduce an international registration system to power tourism to new levels in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The report whose research was done in 207 countries by Euromonitor International, the leading global market intelligence company said that fair trade in tourism practices would drive tourist development in the region, promoting the respect of the local communities, the environment, and sharing the economic benefits with the local population. The report also said that the introduction of a recognised trademark, under the auspices of UNWTO, would reassure travelers about the authenticity of the fairtrade claims and be a critical driver of tourists to Africa.
''Fairttrade branded holidays to Africa could be a powerful tool to promote tourism to Africa amongst ethical and eco-friendly travelers worldwide, who would be attracted by the region's numerous eco-tourism attractions as well as the possibility to discover its culture,'' the report noted.
The report said South Africa keyed into the fairtrade system - Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) IN 2001 with over 30 fairtrade tourist companies certified by FTTSA presently which are adhering to criteria like decent wages and respect for human rights. The report said Fairtrade would expand into Mozambique and Botswana.