Sustainability
We realise the potential impact of tourism in sustainable, inclusive economic growth. To support growth and ensure sustainable business principles, Tourvest Destination Management is committed to protecting our environment, uplifting our people and promoting best practices, as well as working closely with suppliers and partners who share these ideals.
Our Pledge
We are responsible and accountable for the role we play in the countries in which we operate; economically, socially and environmentally. Our accountability is lived through the DNA of our core business values and our company culture.
Our Sustainable Management Responsibility
- We comply with applicable administrative and environmental laws, and adhere to relevant codes of best practice
- We manage and maintain relevant industry accreditations that consider environmental, socio-cultural, economical, quality, health and safety criteria
- We continuously improve on creating awareness and developing a company culture of sustainability, to inspire behavioural change in recognition of our environmental responsibilities
Our Economic Responsibility
- We encourage sustainable purchase practices amongst employees, suppliers and clients
- We follow fair and impartial recruitment, employment and advancement processes in relation to race, gender and disability
- We offer relevant travel product to the distribution channel by sustainable forward planning
- We build and nurture sustainable and fair supplier relationships
Our Social Responsibility
- We empower people in our society
- We treat cultural heritage with dignity and respect and ensure clients are informed accordingly
- We uplift local communities through empowerment, effective social responsibility projects and financial support to SMME where possible
Our Environmental Responsibility
- We deliver responsible consumption and exposure of natural and other resources to conserve the planet
- We consider the environmental impact of any new development
- We use water sparingly
- We aim to minimise the total energy usage within the office by at least 3% each year, working towards the 15% reduction target over a 5 year period
- We consider all feasible options to rethink, refuse, reuse, reduce, and recycle waste – to minimise waste, cut costs, and ensure correct waste disposal
- We deliver responsible consumption, exposure of natural and other resources to conserve the planet
Sustainable Animal Welfare Practices
We support our preferred partners who share our belief in complying with sustainable animal welfare practices supported by recognised wildlife conservation standards. We know that it is only in this way that visitors will continue to appreciate our precious natural treasures.
The Minister’s bold and courageous first but significant step towards ending the cruel and unethical captive lion breeding industry had me in tears of joy on Sunday. My journey started with a desire to create a more responsible tourism space without captive wildlife interactions and I am so proud to be part of this passionate team that works tirelessly for change. I truly hope we can assist the Minister in making her announcement a reality in the foreseeable future.
I am extremely proud, to be part of the Tourvest Destination Management team, as well as a SATSA board member, to keep my pledge to the Blood Lions Campaign, and maintain my on-going support to this cause. As we rebuild our industry, it’s incumbent on each and every one of us to ensure that we uphold the integrity of responsible conservation, ethical practices and ensure authentic experiences for travellers to South Africa, and we have many pristine conservation areas which support communities, habitat and wildlife to make this possible.
Many research results indicate that future travellers are being more conscious when planning their next international holiday, post lockdown. Destinations and sustainable product fulfilling their needs will be top of their list, to ensure their trip has a positive impact on the environment and its communities and wildlife. We continue to fully support the Blood Lions Born to Live Wild Pledge and welcome the researched recommendations made by the Minister to protect our wildlife and unite as a sustainable tourism destination.
On Sunday, Minister Creecy announced that she and her department would support the majority findings of the High Level Panel, and to end the commodification of this iconic species. Since my decision to make the film Blood Lions almost ten years ago, our objective has always been to end the captive lion breeding industry and we, together with our colleagues and our partners worldwide who have worked so long and hard to bring this about, applaud the minister for this courageous decision. Blood Lions will do all that we can to support those implementing these recommendations.
The announcement that the South African Government is in support of putting an end to captive lion breeding has come as a most welcome step forward. Unspoilt nature, preserved natural habitats and protecting animal rights are critical to continue our endeavours to remain a sustainable and authentic tourism destination. We are very much in support of the efforts of Blood Lions and will continue to stand behind the initiative.
Community-based Programmes
Through our Tour Guide Academy and learnership programme, we contribute to skills development and job creation, as well as to our family itself. We aim to make a lasting and measurable difference in the quality of people’s lives. We activate this through community-based programs centred around education, sport and the promotion of basic human rights in all forms.