Environmental and economic sustainability go hand in hand – especially in the hospitality field. So when it comes to ‘future proofing’ this region’s tourism industry, one of the priorities is the nurturing and promotion of our natural environment.
With World Tourism Day on Tuesday 27 September, and so much of the global focus being on the importance of sustainability, the Manager of Worcester Tourism, Suzanne Scholtz, explains what this means in terms of South African tourism
“The theme for this whole month is ‘Rethinking Tourism’, with inclusivity, sustainability, and future proofing as its sub-themes.”
So with sustainability across the board being so crucial in these times we are inviting interested stakeholders to a no-charge presentation in Worcester with guest speakers, each a specialist in his own field, next Tuesday under the theme of “Sustainability within the tourism Sector” .
“Keeping in mind the effect that tourists have on carbon emissions while travelling, it is only fair,” says Scholtz, “that the tourism industry tries to give back as much as possible. With education as the key to success, and the reassurance to people that it does not have to cost an arm and a leg to “go green”, we have made it our mission to educate the public on how they can reduce their carbon footprint by making even small changes in their daily routines and operations.
“It doesn’t need to happen overnight, but should be part of everyone’s long-term planning to help save the world as we know it. We need to start with the man in the mirror if we really want to make a difference!”
Future proofing tourism
To make a difference in the regional hospitality sector towards economic sustainability, Nik Wullschleger, natural sciences, resources, and environmental expert who will be one of the key speakers at the event, says “future proofing of the tourism industry is critical in ensuring a robust industry – one that balances the needs of visitors with those of the host communities, without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. Putting people and the planet before profit is key to the results, and like any other economic sector, tourism can make a significant impact both socially and economically.
“Host communities such as Worcester receive tourists and make money out of them, but need to look at what can be provided in return.
“It is our duty as operators, or stewards of natural, cultural and human resources, to minimise our negative impacts, while ensuring the beneficial impacts are encouraged, enhanced and shared.”
Putting ideals into practice
When it comes to environmental sustainability, Jaco Brand, also a speaker at the upcoming eco-tourism event, is a mean practitioner himself.
A landscape technologist, and permaculture specialist in edible gardening in Rawsonville’s attractive farming valley, Brand practises what he preaches by re-using, and recycling everything possible, especially all nature’s benefits – from household materials to making compost from chicken waste – and believes in using water only for plants you can eat, such as fruits, vegetables and herbs, rather than just aesthetic plants.
Growing a healthy medley of 14 different fruits, including peaches, avocados, kiwis, cherries, plums, prunes, guavas, limes and pomegranates, as well as almonds, Brand also runs cooking classes; and one-hour classes in permaculture and how to harvest its bounty.
His talk at the event will include companion planting, how to make one’s living environment more sustainable in one’s own back yard, and some practical tips for all gardens, such as using sweet potatoes for ground cover under one’s trees, how to re-use pips for replanting, and the importance of planting food instead of lawns!
Quality counts
But if one owns a guest house or B&B, when it comes to measuring up to quality and economically sustainable standards in the hospitality industry, Christopher Phillips is the man to chat to about quality assessment.
An independent grading assessor whose work is cut out for him in checking on the quality of guest-house accommodation throughout local and district municipalities, Phillips will speak at the event about perhaps the most helpful key to staying ahead of the economic challenges of present times in the tourism field – registration with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. This, since the social and economically damaging impact of Covid on tourism, is now granted completely free.
The only officially recognised quality assurance body for tourism products in SA, the TGCSA enables hospitality hosts to see where they stand by global standards, and to be seen not only by national visitors but also by overseas tourists from countries as culturally varied as Japan, Germany, the US, UK, Netherlands and France.
Says Phillips: “It is important for the region’s economic growth in the field of tourism that all accommodation is quality assured, and visitors are warmly received, so first and lasting impressions are memorable.”
TGCSA’s certified star grading gives confidence to national and international visitors, while strengthening the South African tourism brand and giving those guesthouse owners an advantage over all ungraded establishments.
Marketing
Registration with the council also includes opportunities to be listed in above-the-line marketing and advertising campaigns on TV, radio, print media, and outdoor campaigns, as well as below-the-line advertising such as promotions and public relations campaigns.
Listed guest houses are also free to use the council’s logo and their own well-deserved grading stars in their print Ads, business cards, websites, brochures, and letterheads. And through the TGCSA website they will be automatically put in touch with new audiences and potential clients. They also have the right to advertise in the council’s accommodation guide that is distributed by South African Tourism call centres and offices world-wide, offering international coverage.
How to attract visitors
Then it’s up to the hosts! “This region’s wine industry is of course an attraction to many” agreed Phillips, but to appeal to visitors on a broader scale, Worcester’s guest house owners would also of course not only benefit from establishing a word-of-mouth reputation for their friendliness and ability to know what guests want, their good concierge service, attendance to detail, and knowledge of “must visit” tourism spots, but also for their attractive add-on packages for pending guests.
“As a destination we need to get together with other stakeholders and offer packages and specialised exploration routes – such as nature routes, horse-riding trails, river rafting packages, cultural routes, game farm visits, and adventure routes.”
Those interested in finding out more can book a free seat on Tuesday, 27 September, at 18:30 for 19:00 at The Barn, 170 Church Street. Booking is essential. Book at manager@worcestertourism.com or send a WhatsApp to 076 200 8742.
