Gqeberha Hosts Pivotal Workshop on Sustainable Tourism
In a significant gathering that could reshape the future of travel in Africa, the 12th annual South Africa Best Practices Workshop convened at the Southern Sun The Marine Hotel in Gqeberha. This event, held from March 12th to 14th, 2025, brought together tourism leaders from across the globe to forge a path toward sustainable tourism development.
The workshop spotlighted the critical role of sustainable practices in the tourism sector, with a special focus on enhancing travel and tourism in Africa. Among the distinguished participants were Ms. Astride Camille and Ms. Aurelie Vandervalk from the Seychelles Tourism Department, who shared insights into the Sustainable Seychelles initiative. This program is a testament to Seychelles' commitment to responsible tourism, emphasizing environmental preservation and community involvement.
Representatives from various nations, including Eswatini, Malawi, the Dominican Republic, China, Uganda, Gabon, Angola, and Jamaica, joined South African officials and members of the South African Township & Village Tourism Association and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. This diverse assembly underscored the workshop's global reach and its focus on collaborative efforts to foster sustainable growth within the tourism industry.
The discussions at the workshop were not just theoretical but aimed at practical outcomes. Key topics included the use of digital platforms to enhance tourism visibility and the creation of bilateral relationships to support sector growth. These strategies are vital for ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend to local communities, enhancing both economic and social well-being.
The event also served as a platform for sharing best practices and experiences from different regions, with a significant emphasis on the challenges and opportunities within the African continent. The insights gained here are crucial for travel professionals looking to implement sustainable practices that align with global standards while catering to regional specifics.
One of the standout features of the workshop was the focus on policy frameworks and community engagement, essential components of the Sustainable Seychelles program. This initiative has already seen success in certifying tourism establishments that meet sustainability criteria, thereby encouraging a broader adoption of eco-friendly practices.
Moreover, the workshop highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing sustainable tourism. By engaging in dialogues that cross borders and sectors, participants are better equipped to integrate sustainability into their business models, ensuring that tourism development benefits a wide array of stakeholders, from local governments to international visitors.
For African travel professionals, the workshop offers numerous takeaways, particularly in how to balance growth with environmental stewardship and community benefits. The discussions and strategies outlined during the event provide a blueprint for future tourism initiatives that can drive economic development while preserving the continent's rich natural and cultural heritage.
As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, the insights from the Gqeberha workshop will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourism practices across Africa and beyond. This event not only highlighted the potential of sustainable tourism to transform local economies but also reinforced the continent's position as a leader in responsible travel innovations.
With the increasing focus on sustainability, African travel agents and professionals are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in transforming tourism into a force for good, ensuring that it contributes positively to both the environment and the communities it touches.
