While many first-world countries are clamping down on tourists accessing world-class heritage sites, South Africa’s attempts to empower local communities through establishing eco-friendly destinations off the beaten track has helped place it squarely on a 2010 list of the developing world’s top 10 tourist destinations.
Compiled by Ethical Traveler, a non-profit California-based project of Earth Island Institute, which aims to promote responsible travel, the 2010 list selects countries by the work they are doing to upgrade the environment, social welfare and human rights.
With three African countries (Ghana, Namibia and South Africa) and an island republic (Seychelles) on the list, Africa’s attempts at responsible tourism received special mention by the research team, headed up by Christy Hoover. Seychelles, in particular, was noted as a world leader in sustainable tourism.
While Europe, which is largely developed, came in with two candidates, Lithuania and Poland, which rated highest overall, South America had four tourism-conscious representatives, Argentina, Belize, Chile and Suriname. Asia, notably, produced absolutely none. With no improvement from last year, irresponsible development, human rights abuses and weak environmental policies were cited as the reasons.
Though crime was highlighted as a deterrent, South Africa received special mention for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as for sustainable coastal development and environmental management. It also came in a strong second after Lithuania for press freedom.
Researchers also singled out Ghana, for its commitment to democracy and growing culture of environmental consciousness, and Suriname, for its unspoilt rainforest biodiversity and ecotourism and environmental preservation.
Compiled by Ethical Traveler, a non-profit California-based project of Earth Island Institute, which aims to promote responsible travel, the 2010 list selects countries by the work they are doing to upgrade the environment, social welfare and human rights.
With three African countries (Ghana, Namibia and South Africa) and an island republic (Seychelles) on the list, Africa’s attempts at responsible tourism received special mention by the research team, headed up by Christy Hoover. Seychelles, in particular, was noted as a world leader in sustainable tourism.
While Europe, which is largely developed, came in with two candidates, Lithuania and Poland, which rated highest overall, South America had four tourism-conscious representatives, Argentina, Belize, Chile and Suriname. Asia, notably, produced absolutely none. With no improvement from last year, irresponsible development, human rights abuses and weak environmental policies were cited as the reasons.
Though crime was highlighted as a deterrent, South Africa received special mention for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as for sustainable coastal development and environmental management. It also came in a strong second after Lithuania for press freedom.
Researchers also singled out Ghana, for its commitment to democracy and growing culture of environmental consciousness, and Suriname, for its unspoilt rainforest biodiversity and ecotourism and environmental preservation.
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