ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14 - fairtrade.travel€¦ · FAIR TRADE TOURISM Annual Report 2013/14 4 Who We Are Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is a non-profit organisation that promotes responsible

FAIR TRADE TOURISM Annual Report 2013/14 1

ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14


NPO status

Company Number 2004/034455/08

Non Profit Registration Number: 040-021-NPO

VAT Registration Number: 4320217690

Income Tax Reference Number: 9729767146

BBBEE Status: Level Two Contributor Verification Number: CNR 20264

Cover photo courtesy of Coffee Shack Backpackers – Coffee Bay, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape


CONTENTS

ABOUT FAIR TRADE TOURISM (FTT) NPC 4

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT 9

FTT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 31

THE FTT TEAM 33

FTT DONORS AND PARTNERS 35

THE YEAR AHEAD 40

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 42


Who We Are

Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is a non-profit organisation that promotes responsible tourism in southern Africa and beyond. FTT operates the world’s first and still only tourism Fair Trade certification programme.

What We Do

FTT encourages and publicises fair and responsible business practice by tourism establishments in southern Africa and beyond. We do this by offering a certification programme (and supporting activities) that endorse tourism establishments that meet stringent criteria:

• Fair wages and working conditions • Fair operations, purchasing and distribution of benefits• Ethical business practice• Respect for human rights, culture and the environment

Our Vision

Global leadership for fair, participatory and sustainable tourism.

Our Mission

Through certification, develop the market for Fair Trade Tourism in a way that benefits people, business and the environment.

About Fair Trade Tourism


Our Values

Fair Share

All participants involved in a tourism activity should get their fair share of the income, in direct proportion to their contribution to the activity.

Fair Say

All participants involved in a tourism activity should have the right and opportunity to participate in decisions that concern them.

Respect

Both host and visitor should have respect for human rights, culture and environment. This includes:

• Safe working conditions and practices• Protection of young workers • Promoting gender equality• Understanding and tolerance of socio-cultural norms• Reducing consumption of water and energy, as well as reducing, reusing and recycling waste• Conservation of biodiversity and natural resources• HIV/AIDS awareness

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Reliability

The services delivered to tourists should be reliable and consistent. Basic safety and security for both host and visitor should be ensured.

Transparency

Tourism businesses should establish mechanisms of accountability. These include:

• Ownership of tourism businesses must be clearly defined • Employees and other participants should be able to access information that concerns them• Sharing of profits, benefits and losses must be transparent

Sustainability

The tourism businesses should strive to be sustainable. This includes:

• Increased knowledge through capacity-building• Improved use of available resources through networking and partnerships• Economic viability through responsible use of resources• Reduction of leakage through local purchasing and employment• Suppor t to h is tor ical ly disadvantaged entrepreneurs

Customer Satisfaction

FTT’s activities are based on the value that the support of certified tourism businesses and the trade channels that promote them is paramount to our ongoing sustainability.


Chairperson’s Report

As the 2013/14 year draws to a close, the international tourism agenda is once again firmly rooted in a paradigm of relentless growth. According to research conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the economic performance of the sector outpaced global economic growth in 2013 and this trend is expected to continue in 2014.


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The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) recorded 1.087 billion international arrivals in 2013 and projects this figure to reach 1.8 billion by 2030. The rapidly increasing size and scope of travel and tourism has prompted the majority of countries throughout the world to prioritise the sector in macro-economic policy and planning. Certainly, the majority of African states are working hard to attract greater numbers of tourists as a means of generating new employment, particularly for youth, new investment and higher rates of GDP growth.

That the tourism growth agenda is premised primarily on trade liberalisation and in many instances, mass tourism, is cause for concern. Cheap destinations, cheap airfares and cheap holiday packages translate into low wages in destinations, high rates of economic leakage, more resource consumption and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

To mitigate these impacts, growth in tourism as in any other sector must be managed sustainably, through holistic policies and policy instruments, on the one hand, and by business innovation on the other hand. Fair Trade Tourism marries these two imperatives by developing and implementing standards, capacity building tools and business partnerships that support national policy goals; and by implementing a world-leading certification scheme that incentivises and assists actors throughout the tourism value chain to operate more responsibly.

As the footprint of Fair Trade Tourism grows, both in and beyond South Africa, participating businesses and destinations will be better positioned to attract “quality arrivals”: travellers who are prepared to go off the beaten-track to experience community-based tourism; who are aware of the environmental consequences of their travel; and who are looking for authentic, life-changing experiences. Fair Trade Tourism is for travellers who understand that their decision-making power has the potential to enrich, rather than cheapen the places they love to visit.

In April 2014, South Africa will proudly celebrate 20 years of democracy. The tourism industry must take stock of what we have achieved during this period and ensure that going forward we do not pursue growth for its own sake. In 2013, international arrivals to South Africa totalled nearly 15 million, up by 10.5% on the previous year. As South Africa looks to position itself as a top 20 destination by 2020 we must interrogate the quality, inclusivity and sustainability of tourism development and investment. We must stimulate domestic travel, embrace visitors from the African continent and work in tandem with our neighbours to increase length of stay in the region, conserve shared biodiversity and address common challenges including unacceptable levels of poverty and unemployment. A regional sustainable tourism agenda must move beyond liberalisation and speak to the needs of small businesses, workers and communities who are often adversely affected by market forces.

During the year under review, Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) transitioned from a South Africa-orientated initiative to an organisation that aims to establish an integrated, regional approach to sustainable tourism. This is a collaborative approach based on partnerships with like-minded organisations that incorporates not only certification but also collective market and business development support activities.

A special word of thanks to my fellow Directors for supporting FTT during a transitional year, and to the FTT Executive Director and General Manager for leading this process. Congratulations team FTT!

Des Mahony

Acting Board Chairperson and Non-executive Director


Executive Director’s Report

We are pleased to present to our stakeholders our annual report for the 2013/14 financial year. The period under review was marked by significant transformation as the organisation was at long last, firmly repositioned an international initiative: Fair Trade Tourism (FTT).


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We rolled out a new, vibrant corporate identity and certification mark. We created stronger, more flexible standards targeting different categories of value-chain actors and adaptable to destinations in addition to South Africa. We established formal partnerships with peer certification schemes in Europe, as a model for similar partnerships throughout Africa. We updated our certification protocols according to ISEAL guidelines and established a ground-breaking partnership with FLO-Cert to perform auditing and verification services on behalf of FTT.

Out-sourcing to FLO-Cert is aligned with global best practice and, most importantly, gives FTT the freedom to actively build supply and demand for fairly traded tourism, without conflict of interest. This freedom is manifest in an expanded staff complement including a dedicated Business Development Support (BDS) desk, additional sales and marketing resources and increased capacity for managing FTT’s growing stakeholder networks and donor relationships in Africa and on the global stage.

New systems, new staff and a new identity are now supporting a major innovation in the sustainable tourism field: the concept of a “Fair Trade Holiday.” Our market research suggests that sustainability-savvy consumers, particularly in Europe, want to build integrally fair and sustainable trips, especially when visiting developing countries. However consumer choice today is severely limited by lack of supply. Low volumes of certified hotels, attractions, activities, facilities and so forth is a problem globally, and sustainable tourism certifiers around the world are under pressure particularly from tour operators in Europe to build and diversify “stock.”

But incorporating one or two “fair” or “green” or “responsible” bed nights in a conventional holiday package does not necessarily translate into a better deal for destination stakeholders; nor does this mean that tour operators or online booking agents adhere to the same standards they require of suppliers in places like Namibia, Tanzania or South Africa. Fair Trade Holidays are about quality assuring inclusive and responsible behaviour throughout the value chain and ensuring that the costs and benefits of sustainability are distributed transparently and equitably in the trade in tourism services.

This is an ambitious goal and future sales of Fair Trade Holidays require more change management: expanding and diversifying the total supply of certified products in multiple destinations; building an active network of committed tourism retailers and wholesalers; supporting and lobbying policy-makers to create appropriate incentives for sustainable business operations and certification; raising awareness amongst consumers through campaigns, advocacy and media relations; and stimulating formal cooperation between certifiers, tourism boards and local tourism organisations.


In this fashion, the “Fair Trade Holiday” will become an umbrella label for bringing together different standards and certification marks, speaking with one voice to trade partners and consumers in a language that is already well understood and trusted around the world.

Cooperation, collective competitiveness, strength in numbers, sharing best practices: these are no longer simply buzzwords but market imperatives. FTT is co-leading this trend with our partners in neighbouring countries. We have launched FTT pilots in Madagascar and Mozambique and in the next two years will forge mutual recognition agreements with peer organisations in Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania. Together we are addressing common challenges, finding joint solutions and simplifying what has been termed the “labelling jungle”. The sustainable tourism certification sector needs a game-changer and, led from Africa, Fair Trade Holidays is the most promising model to date.

Change can be difficult and FTT acknowledges that FTT-certified enterprises in South Africa are most affected by our new systems and strategy. I assure every member of the FTT family that your views and inputs are taken seriously and that FTT will do everything possible to smooth your transition to what will be the broadest, most credible and most impactful programme in the world. That you take part in this journey with FTT testifies to your commitment to ensuring that tourism delivers benefits to people, the planet and the profitability of your businesses.

I take this opportunity to recognise the ongoing support of the FTT board during the year under review and, more especially, the contributions of the FTT team, who are the most talented, committed and passionate group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. FTT also thanks our many donors and supporters, in particular the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), which has provided core funding for scaling up FTT supply and demand in Africa until 2017; as well as United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) for financing various activities described in this report.

As we begin to celebrate two decades of democracy in 2014, and as FTT embraces the spirit of pan-African development . . .

Viva, Fair Trade Tourism! Viva FTT!

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Jennifer Seif

Executive Director


Highlights of the year in review

1. Awareness Raising2. Advocacy and Networking3. FTT Certification4. Fair Trade Holidays5. Capacity Building and Transformation

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The main achievements of FTT for the year ending February 2014 can be grouped into five thematic areas:


INDICATOR 2012/2013 2013/2014 % Change

Rand value of radio & TV coverage in South Africa

R 163 690 R 890 154 444%

PR value in South Africa R 8 601 839 R 11 099 628 29%

Facebook page “likes” 1 927 2 395 24%

Awareness Raising

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FTT continues to raise awareness about Fair Trade principles and FTT certification, both nationally and internationally. The awareness raising initiatives include: creating effective marketing collateral; executing successful media and PR campaigns; creating and maintaining effective partnerships; ensuring a visible presence at key tourism events and contributing to industry discussion and debate.

Consumer Market Segmentation Research

FTT has, with the support of the UK Travel Foundation and Belgian Technical Cooperation, carried out research in important source markets to identify target groups for marketing Fair Trade Tourism. Consumer data on Fairtrade and other ethical consumption was combined with South African Tourism research identifying who is interested in travelling to South Africa, in order to establish clear target segments for marketing Fair Trade Tourism. This research is of interest to any business that wishes to strengthen their profile as an FTT-certified business and tap into the growing demand for sustainability and Fair Trade in key European source markets. This study was also conducted in the South African domestic market with the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). During the year under review, FTT held Consumer Segmentation Workshops in Johannesburg and Cape Town to share the research findings..

Measurements of Success During the period under review FTT strengthened its domestic presence, with the total value of radio and TV coverage in South Africa calculated at nearly R 900,000 and total PR value calculated at just over R 11,000,000.

In line with social media trends, FTT continued to increase the number of Facebook “likes” to 2 395, compared to 1 927 in the previous year.


Collateral

During the year under review, FTT developed a new brochure and a series of A5 leaflets entitled, “About Us”, “Our Brand”, “Certification” as well as “Working with the Trade”.

Industry Events Participation

In any one year, FTT attends many exhibitions, conferences, trade fairs and other networking events regardless of where in the world they take place. These platforms are ideal for FTT to promote the benefits of our certification programme while at the same time raising awareness about the principles of Fair Trade and sustainable tourism.


National Events

Indaba Travel Trade Show

The annual Indaba Travel Trade Show took place from 11 - 14 May 2013 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three “must visit” events of its kind on the global calendar. It showcases the widest variety of southern Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world. Since 2011 FTT has operated a Fair Trade Pavillion at Indaba, showcasing FTT-certified tourism businesses and other Fair Trade products (coffee, wine, spices and crafts) under one roof. It also emphasises South Africa’s unique position of being the only country in the world with a Fair Trade Tourism certification programme.

The FTT-certified tourism businesses on the Fair Trade Pavilion during the year under review were:

1. Fair Trade Travel Pass2. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve 3. Antrim Villa4. Monkeyland and Birds of Eden5. Spier6. Three Tree Hill Lodge7. Dinokeng (Newly certified products in this region of Tshwane)

Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) Annual Report & Tourism Information Portal Launch

On 04 July 2013 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, attended the TEP Annual Report & Tourism Information Portal Launch. The event was held at The Venue, World Trade Centre in Sandton. TEP used the occasion to introduce the new Chairperson of their Board, Brian Whittaker, as well as to highlight the impacts on enterprise development they have made with relatively limited resources. They remain supportive of FTT-certification for SMMEs through their Business Development Fund.

South African Youth Travel Council (SAYTC) Conference and AGM

On 01 August 2013 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, presented on the FTT certification programme at the SAYTC Annual General Meeting and Conference held at Ubuntu Kraal in Soweto, Johannesburg. Other presenters included Jason Drew, Environmental Capitalist, Jeunesse Park, Food and Trees for Africa and Thulani Madondo, Kliptown Youth Programme. Attendees also took part in a “speed dating” session, having brief presentations from a number of SAYTC members. On the second day, 02 August 2013, FTT was represented by FTT PR and Marketing Assistant, Katlego Tshabangu, with Richard Mulholland presenting on “Telling a Story through your Brand”.

Tourism Business Council South Africa (TBCSA) AGM

On 06 August 2013 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, attended the TBCSA AGM, which was held at the Da Vinci Hotel and Suites at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. The guest speakers included Professor Steven Friedman, who spoke on unpacking the 2014 national elections and the possible impact on business, Thulani Nzima, who presented on South African Tourism’s 2014 – 2015 business plan and the National Planning Commissioner, who spoke on what the National Development Plan means to the travel and tourism sector. The presentations were followed by an informal networking session.

Eco-Logic Awards

On 26 September 2013 FTT Business Development Support Manager, Thiofhi Ravele, represented FTT at the Eco-Logic Awards held at FTT-certified Maropeng and hosted by Enviropaedia in association with SABC3. The award ceremony proved to be a great place for networking and gathering contacts for possible future collaborations.


South African Travel and Tourism Industry Summit

On 14 October 2013 FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, represented FTT at the first South African Travel and Tourism Industry Summit held at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton. The event was opened by Khehla Mthembu, Head of Economic Development Gauteng, who highlighted Gauteng’s position as the gateway to South Africa and the business tourism hub of South and southern Africa. The significance of this role as well as competition from other African countries for this role (countries such as Kenya and Ghana) was debated later in the day. Dion Chang, a renowned trend spotter, then presented on the different market segments that are important for South African tourism.

Event Greening Forum (EGF) Conference

On 24 February 2014 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, and Business Development Support Manager, Thiofhi Ravele, attended the Events Greening Forum (EGF) Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, with FTT participating in a panel discussion on sustainable tourism. The aim of the Event Greening Forum (EGF) is to promote and embrace sustainable and ethical business practices within the events industry in South Africa, with an initial focus on meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and events.

International Events

International Tourism Bourse (ITB) – held in Berlin, Germany

From 06 - 10 March 2013 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, and FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended ITB in Berlin, a renowned trade show related to the travel and tourism industry of Germany. Held for a period five days, this focused trade show enlightens the visitors and qualified buyers about the global travel, tourism and hospitality sectors and highlights the exotic destinations of more than 180 countries under one roof.

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly – held in Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

On 24 August 2013 FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The General Assembly is the most important meeting of senior tourism officials and high-level representatives of the private sector from all over the world. FTT jointly hosted a side event on greening in tourism with the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA). The event gave FTT an opportunity to profile its programme of work to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) – held in Nairobi, Kenya

From 24 - 27 September 2013 FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) in Nairobi, Kenya. Co-hosted by the African Wildlife Foundation and the Kenya Tourism Board, ESTC13 was attended by tourism industry professionals from over 40 countries. ESTC13 featured dynamic sessions, public forums and social functions offering eye-opening insights into the latest on sustainable business strategies and unparalleled networking and knowledge-sharing experiences. FTT also presented at a side event on Sustainable Tourism Product Development.

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Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) – held in Zurich, Switzerland

FTT, together with a number of FTT-certified businesses (Kwalata Game Ranch, Mashovhela Bush Lodge, Umlani Bushcamp, Three Trees at Spioenkop, Marine Dynamics/Dyer Island Cruises and The Fairtrade Travel Pass), participated in the Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) in Zurich, Switzerland, from 16 – 17 October 2013. FTT was represented by FTT Sales Manager, Emilie Hagedoorn. TTW is the largest commercial exchange in Switzerland, hosting nearly 6,000 tourism professionals, of which 40% are travel agents and 19% are tour operators. More than half of the visitors come from the German part of Switzerland, but a large share of visitors also come from the French-speaking part. FTT’s participation is made possible with the generous support of the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO).

Swiss Import Programme (SIPPO) Road Show – held in German Speaking Europe

The same group of South African businesses that attended the Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) went on a road show through German speaking Europe from 18 – 22 October 2013, at which they presented to tour operators in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. FTT also participated in preparatory workshop in Johannesburg 21 – 22 August 2013 entitled “New Worlds, New Markets – Successfully Access European Markets.”

Adventure Travel World Summit – held in Swakopmund, Namibia

FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, and FTT Marketing Manager, Thokozile Qoboza, attended the Adventure Travel World Summit in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 27 October – 01 November 2013. The Summit is an annual event of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, a North American organisation that FTT joined in 2012. This was the first year the Summit took place in Africa – an opportunity for the region to be showcased. Numerous valuable contacts were made with outbound tour operators, other NGO’s and media, during the Peer-to-Peer Exchange, Marketplace and Media Connect sessions that took place during the summit. There was considerable representation by adventure destinations from around the world.

South African Tourism (SAT) Road Show – held in The Netherlands

FTT Sales Manager, Emilie Hagedoorn, together with FTT-certified businesses Mashovhela Bush Lodge, Kololo Game Reserve, Buccaneers Backpackers, Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises, took part in the SAT road show, held in The Netherlands from 28 October - 01 November 2013. The roadshow aims to present the Dutch travel trade with interesting, new South African tourism products. In total 30 tourism businesses – including the five FTT-certified businesses mentioned above were selected. Speed marketing sessions with travel agents took place in Amsterdam, Breda, Zwolle and Utrecht which allowed FTT clients to connect with 220 South Africa specialists. The last day in Utrecht was for tour operators only and there were around 40 product managers from leading Dutch tour operators looking to increase their portfolio of South Africa experiences.

World Travel Market (WTM) – held in London, United Kingdom

FTT Sales Manager, Emilie Hagedoorn, attended WTM from 04 November – 07 November 2013 in London, United Kingdom. WTM, the leading global event for the travel industry, is a vibrant must attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and international travel professionals. It is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business.

Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (GPST) Symposium – held in Agadir, Morocco

From 23 - 26 February 2014 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, attended the GPST Symposium and Annual Conference of Partners in Agadir, Morocco. The Partners’ Symposium was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Morocco and supported by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy of the Government of France, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UNWTO. The Partners’ Symposium features a day of expert panel discussions on the key and emerging issues of sustainable tourism.


Association for Tourism and Leisure Education (ATLAS) was established in 1991 to develop transnational educational initiatives in tourism and leisure. ATLAS provides a forum to promote staff and student exchange, transnational research and to facilitate curriculum and professional development. ATLAS currently has members in more than 70 countries and generously sponsors FTT’S membership fee.

Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is a global membership organisation and home to a thriving community of more than 800 responsible, profitable businesses, destinations and media who transform customers and businesses alike into advocates for sustainability and justice worldwide.

Cape Town Tourism (CTT) represents the greater Cape Town area in one consolidated tourism body and is committed to promoting responsible tourism for the Western Cape. CTT generously sponsored FTT’s membership fees for the year under review.

Event Greening Forum (EGF) aims to promote and embrace sustainable and ethical business practices within the events industry in South Africa, with an initial focus on meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and events. The EGF was established through the dedication and support of the industry associations who are recognised as founding members. FTT holds a Board seat on the Event Greening Forum.

Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (GPST) is a global initiative launched in 2011 to inject sustainability principles into the mainstream of tourism policies, development, and operations. It emerged as a more permanent successor to the International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development (ITF-STD). The Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Technology, Industry, and Economics (UNEP-DTIE).

Advocacy and Networking

Industry Memberships

During the period under review, FTT was a member of the following industry bodies:


Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) serves as the international body for raising increased knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism practices, promoting the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles and building demand for sustainable travel. The GSTC is the first global, multi-stakeholder organisation focused on promoting sustainable tourism and is currently active in all World Tourism Organisation regions, including Africa, The Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, Europe and Middle East. FTT’s certification standard is one of the first 11 in the world and the first in Africa to be recognised by the GSTC.

Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is a member-driven, non-profit association representing the private sector. SATSA has nearly 1,000 members, primarily inbound tour operators/tourism services and organisations, but also accommodation and other products. SATSA generously sponsors FTT’s annual membership fee while SATSA membership streamlines the application process for tourism businesses.

South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) is a non-profit, membership-driven organisation established to market South Africa globally as a preferred youth tourism destination and to establish a professional youth tourism industry based upon accreditation and guidelines.

Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is the voice of the tourism business sector. The TBCSA was established in February 1996 by leading tourism businesses. Its primary purpose is to engage with all stakeholders in developing macro-strategies that create an enabling environment for tourism development. FTT has held a Board seat with the TBCSA since 2004.

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Industry Engagements

FTT collaborates with national and international organisations in the public sector, civil society and the private sector. These relationships provide FTT with networking and marketing opportunities as well as credibility within the tourism industry.

The Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) is an instrument of self-regulation and corporate social responsibility, which provides increased protection to children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. The Code requires commitment from all levels of the member company’s business. The initiative, which started as a project of End Child Pornography, Prostitution and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT) International, has been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and many national governments. FTT is the Local Code Representative (LCR), holds a seat on the Board of Directors and was a project partner for the ECPAT funded “Don’t Look Away” project during the period under review.

The Code AGM

On 5 March 2013 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, and FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended the Code AGM at Novotel am Tiergarten Hotel, Berlin. The AGM was chaired by Kuoni’s Matthias Leisinger, who is Chairperson of the Code Board of Directors. The meeting covered the presentation of annual reports and accounts, presentation of new tools, election of the new Board, presentation on a new strategic plan, approval of revised criteria and a presentation by FTT on “The Future LCR”.

Child Protection in Tourism Event

On 8 March 2013 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, and FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended a session on “Child Protection in Tourism - a Challenge for CSR” in Berlin, Germany. The event was opened by Rika Jean-Francois (ITB CSR). Matthias Leisinger, in his role as Chairperson, gave an informative presentation on the Code.

Workshop of Local Code Representatives (LCRs)

On 12 June 2013 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, attended a workshop of LCRs from Europe and South Africa. The purpose of the workshop, which was held in Warsaw, Poland, was to discuss the new procedures being put in place by the Code

Secretariat in Bangkok and institutional arrangements between LCRs and the Secretariat, as well as a study that has been commissioned by the board to make recommendations regarding the structure of the Code.

Child Protection and Sports Events Conference

From 13 – 14 June 2013 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, attended a conference on “Child Protection and Sports Events” in Warsaw, Poland. The conference looked at FIFA/UEFA/Olympics that have taken place in Europe and South Africa with particular attention to lessons learned that can be taken up by Brazil.

Tourism Research Colloquium

On 12 March 2013 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, attended a Tourism Research Colloquium at the Birchwood Hotel hosted by the National Department of Tourism. The research studies presented covered “Understanding the Concept of Cross-border Guiding in Southern Africa”, “The Socio-Economic Impact of Rural Tourism Routes on Adjacent Communities”, and “Analysis of the Supply of Tourism Products for the Five Key Domestic Market Segments”.


Sustainable Tourism Certification Alliance Africa (the Alliance) Conference and Annual Meeting

Fair Trade Tourism, in its capacity as Secretariat of the Alliance, successfully organised the Alliance’s second annual conference. The conference was held on 09 May 2013 at Garden Court Marine Parade in Durban, South Africa.

The event was attended by 32 delegates through which nine African countries, four regional organisations and four global organisations were represented. Countries represented included Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania. Regional organisations represented included Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), Serendipity Africa, Stand cc, Heritage Environmental Management Programme and the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA). Global organisations included the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Tourism Cities Conference

On 12 May 2013 FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, attended the Tourism Cities conference at the Hilton Hotel, which was organised by the City of Cape Town. Jennifer participated in a panel on standards/monitoring/evaluation of sustainability – with a focus on energy efficiency (the overall topic of the conference). Deirdre Shurland from the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (GPST) gave the key note on tourism and climate change, which was very well received.

Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) Workshop

On 04 – 05 July 2013 FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended a workshop organised by the Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG), an NGO that looks at sustainable development issues and management of natural resources. The workshop, which was held in Cape Town, was entitled “A Local Ethical and Environmental Market Network Supporting Small-Scale Farmers and the Poor”. The objective was to look at the challenges faced by small-scale responsible farmers, e.g. organic/Fairtrade farmers, and to establish some ideas on how they can be supported to access markets both locally and internationally.

National Department of Tourism’s (NDT) Tourism Leadership Dialogue

On 19 July 2013 FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, attended a Tourism Leadership Dialogue at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg. The event was organised by the National Department of Tourism in partnership with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. The theme of the event was “Unskilled Work and the Travel and Tourism Industry – Myth or Reality”. The event focussed on whether learning institutions are producing the right/relevant skills and, if not, what the requirements are, entrepreneurship in tourism success stories, how to attract and retain relevant skills within the tourism industry, a highlight of tourism skills partnerships and an overview of current tourism skills development initiatives/programmes.

Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme (STPP) Seminar

On 25 – 26 July 2013 FTT Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, and FTT PR & Marketing Assistant, Katlego Tshabangu, attended the Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme (STPP) Seminar which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Highlights of the seminar included presentations by Nedbank on their CSI programme, City of Cape Town, on the development of Cape Town as a responsible tourism destination, and SANParks, on the historical challenges they have faced as well as their responsible tourism strategy going forward.

Regional Consultation Meeting for Developing the 10YFP Programme on Sustainable Tourism

A regional consultation meeting for development of the 10 Year Framework Programmes (10YFP) on sustainable tourism was held on 15 August 2013 in Johannesburg. FTT was represented by Stakeholder Relations Manager, Netsai Sibanda, and Stakeholder Relations Assistant, Khaya Twala. The event saw excellent attendance from 14 of the 15 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe), with only Lesotho being absent from the event. The tourism public and private sectors as well as civil society were well represented. FTT organised the meeting in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (GPST) and the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA).


International Labour Organisation (ILO) Poverty Reduction in Tourism Workshop

On 23 August 2013 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, attended a workshop to launch the ILO Poverty Reduction in Tourism Toolkit at the ILO offices in Pretoria. Professor Wolfgang Weinz from ILO Geneva, the developer, had flown out to present on the toolkit and the fact that it was being made available as a free resource to industry. The links to the toolkit are available on the FTT and Alliance websites.

Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) Stakeholders Forum

On 27 September 2013 FTT Business Development Support Manager, Thiofhi Ravele, attended the Annual Stakeholders Forum at The Theatre on the Track in Kyalami, Johannesburg. The event was an opportunity for all Seda stakeholders to network. Seda as the host gave a report on the current financial year and gave delegates an opportunity to comment and receive clarity on Seda’s operations.

National Tourism Stakeholder Forums

FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, attended the semi-annual National Tourism Stakeholder Forums on 26 March 2013 at Emperors Palace and on 9 October 2013 at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. The Forums provide an opportunity to share feedback on progress in the implementation of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS). This feedback is compiled through quarterly cluster meetings, with FTT representing industry on the People Development cluster, with responsibility for transformation, decent work, community beneficiation and service excellence.

Africa Fairtrade Convention

On 28 November 2013 FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs, attended the Africa Fairtrade Convention at FTT-certified Spier Hotel in Stellenbosch. To ensure producers can compete on a level playing field, Fairtrade Africa organises the Africa Fairtrade Convention (AFC), a multi-day event where producers and other stakeholders can learn, share experiences, and strengthen networks. The event also provides FTT with the perfect opportunity to engage with the executive of Fairtrade International.

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FTT Certification

FTT operates the world’s first and still only Fair Trade Tourism certification programme.

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The programme was developed in 2003 and became the first tourism certification standard in Africa to be recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in December 2011. From September 2013, FTT has outsourced the assessment function to FLO-Cert, an ISO 17065-accredited certification body and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairtrade International. The assessments are coordinated through FLO-Cert’s Cape Town office.

Tourism businesses in southern Africa interested in FTT-certification should answer the five easy questions on the FTT website to determine their eligibility to participate in the system. If eligible, businesses proceed to the initial application. The application will require the uploading of a number of supporting documents. If the application is approved, an on-site audit will be scheduled. During the on-site audit, FLO-Cert auditors will verify compliance with a number of criteria relating to business practices and HR, community resources, cultural heritage and environmental practices. Once all required areas of compliance have been met, FTT certification will be awarded.

Tourism businesses that adhere to the FTT standard use the FTT label as a way of signifying their commitment to fair and responsible tourism.

CERTIFICATION STATISTICS 2012/2013 2013/2014

Total number of FTT-certified businesses 64 68

New applications for certification 11 8

First time site assessments conducted by FTT (new applicants) 8 8

Emerging/community-owned businesses as a percentage of total FTT portfolio

16% 16%

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1. !Khwattu San Culture and Education Centre – Yzerfontein, Western Cape

2. !Xaus Lodge - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Kalahari**

3. Andulela Experience: Cape Malay Cooking Safari – Cape Town, Western Cape

4. Antrim Villa – Cape Town, Western Cape

5. AWOL: Masiphumelele Bicycle Tour – Near Kommetjie, Cape Town, Western Cape

6. Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse – Near Riebeek, Hermon, Western Cape

7. Birds of Eden – The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

8. Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers – Chintsa West, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape

9. Bulungula Lodge – Elliotdale, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape**

10. Calabash Tours - Real City Tour – Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

11. Calabash Tours - Shebeen Tour – Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

12. Calabash Tours - Community Care Programme – Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

13. Calabash Tours - Schools Support Programme – Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

14. Camp Figtree – Addo, Eastern Cape*

15. Coffee Shack Backpackers – Coffee Bay, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape**

16. De Zalze Golf – Stellenbosch, Western Cape

17. De Zeekoe Guest Farm – Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

18. Dyer Island Cruises – Gansbaai, Western Cape

19. Farm 215 Nature Retreat and Fynbos Reserve – Between Stanford & Agulhas, Western Cape

20. Fundani: Refilwe Cultural and Shebeen Tours - Cullinan, North East Pretoria, Gauteng **

21. Fundani: Diamond Mine Tour - Cullinan, North East Pretoria, Gauteng*/ **

22. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – Near Gansbaai, Western Cape

23. Hog Hollow Country Lodge – The Crags, Near Plettenberg, Western Cape

24. Jan Harmsgat Country House – Near Swellendam, Western Cape

25. Kololo Game Reserve – Bakkerspas Rd, Vaalwater, Limpopo

26. Kungwini Guest House and Conference Centre - Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng*/**

27. Kwalata Game Ranch – Dinokeng Conservancy, Hammanskraal, Gauteng

28. Kwagga’s Pride – Kwaggas Drift Conservancy, Fairfields Cullinan District, Pretoria

29. Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers – Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng**

30. Lebo’s Soweto Bicycle Tour – Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng**

FTT-certified Tourism Businesses

During the period under review, the number of certified businesses grew from 64 to 68.


31. Leriba Lodge – Centurion, Gauteng*

32. Leshiba Wilderness – Southpansberg Mnts, near Makhado, Limpopo

33. Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge – Near Makhado, Limpopo

34. Marine Dynamics – Gansbaai, Western Cape

35. Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind - Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein, Gauteng*

36. Mashovhela Mountain Lodge – Near Makhado, Limpopo

37. Mdumbi Backpackers – Tshani Village, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape**

38. Mercure Hotel Bedfordview – Bedfordview, Gauteng

39. Mercure Hotel Midrand – Midrand, Gauteng

40. Mercure Hotel Nelspruit – Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

41. Mercure Hotel Randburg – Randburg, Gauteng

42. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary – The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

43. Moratiwa Tours, Soweto Fair Tourism Tour – Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng**

44. Motswari Private Game Reserve – Greater Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

45. Ocean Blue Adventures – Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

46. Ocean Safaris – Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

47. Pakamisa Lodge – Pongola, Kwa-Zulu Natal*

48. Para Taxi Tandem Paragliding - Sea Point, Cape Town, Western Cape

49. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve – Greater Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

50. Safari Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

51. Sani Lodge Backpackers - Southern Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal

52. Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge – Elim, Limpopo

53. Southern Right Charters- Walker Bay, Hermanus, Western Cape

54. Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre - Kliptown, Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng**

55. Spier – Stellenbosch, Western Cape

56. Stormsriver Adventures – Tsitsikamma, Western Cape

57. Thaba Ya Batswana Eco Hotel – Johannesburg, Gauteng*

58. The Backpack – Cape Town, Western Cape

59. The Peech Hotel – Melrose, Johannesburg, Gauteng

60. Three Trees at Spioenkop - Rhenosterfontein Farm, Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal

61. Tswalu Kalahari – Korranaberg, Northern Cape

62. Umlani Bushcamp – Greater Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

63. Uthando South Africa – Cape Town, Western Cape

64. Volunteer Africa 32˚ South: Wild Coast Community Schools Programme, Chintsa East, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape

65. Voortrekker Monument – Pretoria, Gauteng*

66. Woodbury Lodge – Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

67. Whalesong Lodge – De Kelders, Hermanus, Western Cape*

68. White Shark Projects – Kleinbaai, Western Cape

* Products newly certified in the 2013/14 financial year** Emerging Businesses/Community-Owned Businesses*/** Newly certified and emerging

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FTT Expansion into Madagascar and Mozambique

The scaling up of Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is fast becoming a reality. The first pilot project in Madagascar was launched in early June 2013 in Antananariva, with nine tourism businesses participating, and the first FLO-Cert audits there are scheduled for March 2014.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has funded expansion of FTT into Mozambique, beginning in Inhambane Province. The piloting of the development of a responsible tourism destination in Mozambique is being implemented over the period December 2013 – January 2015 and aims to build the capacity of tourism products in Mozambique’s tourism industry to contribute to fair and decent job creation, improve livelihoods and promote resource efficiency through application of the FTT Quality Management System.

These two pilots will establish a model for increasing the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in identified tourism destinations in southern Africa to implement verifiably sustainable tourism practices and establish responsible tourism destinations in the region to attract growing numbers of sustainability-savvy travelers, in particular from Europe.


Fair Trade Holidays

During the period under review, FTT developed Mutual Recognition Agreements with European tour operator certification schemes, Tourcert and Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agents, which will streamline the approval process for tour operators operating in source markets. FTT currently has six approved inbound partners and six approved outbound partners.

Approved partners are able to package and sell Fair Trade Holidays, which contain a set percentage of FTT-certified accommodation establishments and which make a contribution to the Fair Trade Tourism Development Fund.

Abang Africa firmly believes in sustainable and responsible travel and emphasises local experiences that benefit not only the traveller but the destination as well, including the local community, the economy and nature.

Africa Travel Group (ATG), with an excellent team of dedicated and experienced consultants, are committed to offering their clients expert advice and superb management with all travel requirements, whether they require a rental car, hotel accommodation or the services of a qualified guide on their journey in South Africa or any of its neighboring countries.

Baobab Travel believes in the kind of experiences that will inspire travellers and bring positive changes in the world. Their carefully created collection of bespoke holidays encourages visitors to slow down, see more and get to know the destination they visit.

Kuvona means “to see and understand” in Shangaan, one of the languages of the people in the region. Kuvona stands for integrative tourism, a form of tourism that builds bridges between different cultures, offering authentic impressions and unspoiled personal experiences with the people. They introduce travellers to an ancient world of African tradition, to know the rich culture of the Venda and Shangaan people in the Limpopo province.

Private Safaris is a premier safari specialist and professional Destination Management Company that provides a range of services in both East and southern Africa that includes custom-designed specialised tours and safaris for groups or FIT’s.

XO Africa’s philosophy rests on four pillars – experience, listening, service and their team – and on this basis they craft each trip from scratch, using original products and carefully sourced services.

FTT Approved Tour Operator Partners

Inbound Tour Operators


Swiss tour operator Dreamtime Travel AG’s philosophy is based on its values of honesty, tolerance, respect, integrity, fairness, responsibility and solidarity. As part of their commitment, they support sustainable development projects in their target areas, including South Africa, and seek to steadily reduce environmental impact. Since 2003, they are a member of Dreamtime Travel Best of Travel Group – an association of independent specialist tour operators throughout Europe.

Kuoni Travel is a special combination of tradition and modernity. In more than 100 years of company history Kuoni has developed a distinctive brand personality and in 2003 was named the “World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator” at the annual World Travel Awards. Fostering sustainability in Kuoni’s supply chain is one of the most effective ways for the company to promote the values underpinning its Corporate Responsibility Strategy. Both Kuoni Switzerland and Kuoni UK are approved tour operator partners of Fair Trade Tourism.

Reise Service Imagine’s byline is “Travel better informed” – which aptly communicates their philosophy to educate travellers on the geography, culture, history and politics of the destination. Reise Service Imagine’s goal is, wherever possible, to support responsible tourism.

SKR Reisen is a small German specialist tour operator. The SKR-philosophy is “holiday with meaning”. Local, family-run hotels, qualified, knowledgeable staff to guide the encounter with locals as well as social and environmental sustainability are typical features of a SKR-trip.

TUI Netherlands, a market leader in the Dutch travel industry, feels jointly responsible for the future of holiday destinations. For that reason, TUI Netherlands has a proactive strategy and policy on sustainable tourism and corporate social responsibility.

Outbound Tour Operators

FTT Tourism Service Provider Register

In January 2014, FTT again broadened the scope of their Quality Management System to make it possible for tourism service providers (for example “wheels” operators, guides/guide associations, professional conference organisers and carbon off-setting schemes) to become part of the FTT system. Tourism Service Providers can now apply for inclusion on the FTT Tourism Service Provider Register through a simple online process. Inclusion on the Register provides exposure on the FTT website and makes it possible for tourism service providers to be included in Fair Trade Holidays.

To be included on the FTT Tourism Service Provider Register, potential applicants need to be able to demonstrate compliance with the criteria related to effective sustainable management of the company and creation of a fair and transparent working environment for employees.

Mutual Recognition Agreements

FTT and TourCert signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement during a ceremony on the South Africa Pavilion at the Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) in Zurich on 16 October 2013. FTT and Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agents signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on 6 November 2013 at World Travel Market in London.

The aim of these Mutual Recognition Agreements is to stimulate cooperation within the sustainable tourism standards and certification environment, provide leadership in building the capacity of certification scheme owners and certification bodies to provide accessible, reliable and credible certification services to the tourism industry and expand the reach and awareness of sustainable tourism certification within the tourism industry. In addition, FTT-certified businesses now automatically meet supply chain sustainability requirements for tour operators certified by Tourcert or Travelife.


CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRANSFORMATIONCommunity-based Tourism

FTT strives to make its certification programme accessible to emerging tourism enterprises, including community-owned ventures. By February 2014, 16% of FTT’s total client base (11/68 enterprises) were classified as emerging enterprises, an indication of the significance of this sub-sector.

FTT led Agri-Tourism Project

With the support of the United Nations Development Programme’s Small Grant Programme, FTT led a project to support small scale producers to diversify income and improve livelihoods through agri-tourism. The project worked with a group of 50 women in Limpopo that harvest baobab fruit and a consultant was contracted to conduct feasibility research and develop a business plan.

FTT’s Sustainable Tourism Workshops

FTT continued to facilitate its bespoke two-day workshop on Sustainable Tourism, recently updated to include modules in Sustainable Development, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Tourism and Business, Sustainable Tourism and Tourists, Sustainable Tourism and Communities, Sustainable Tourism and Government and The Journey of Sustainable Tourism in South Africa. The workshop is available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho, with facilitation in other languages available upon request.

A Sustainable Tourism workshop was conducted for the employees at FTT-certified Stormsriver Adventures from 18 – 19 November 2013, a great way to reinforce the concepts of sustainable tourism with the workforce. FTT Intro Workshops

During the year under review, FTT’s Sales and Business Development Desk (BDS) desks hosted the first series of Fair Trade Tourism Introduction workshops in the Western and Eastern Cape. The workshops were free of charge and open to all tourism businesses interested in learning more about FTT certification in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Knysna and Port Elizabeth. A roll out in the rest of South Africa is planned for the coming fiscal.

FTT Internal Capacity BuildingFTT remains a member of the Services SETA and paid R32,615 in skills development levies during the year under review. FTT strengthened its team through internal mentoring/coaching as well as investing R 38,715 in external training. FTT received maximum points for skills development as part of its most recent BBBEE assessment.

E-tourism SummitFrom 09 - 10 September 2013, FTT Sales Manager, Emilie Hagedoorn, and PR & Marketing Assistant, Katlego Tshabangu, attended the E-Tourism Africa Summit 2013 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as part of a programme to strengthen the organisation’s social media skills.

The summit brought together some of the world’s leading experts on online tourism including Facebook, Trip Advisor, Expedia, Twitter as well as innovative speakers and solutions, both local and international. The summit was set up in a logical order following the traveller journey and underlined the importance for tourism businesses to bring their business online and leverage sales through use of Social Media. A lot of focus was given to the power of User Generated Content and the need for being able to offer customised travel. The power and control now lies with the consumer and word of mouth and personal recommendations are a sure way of securing new business

FTT Services

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FTT Board of Directors

During the 2013/14 financial year, five non-executive Directors played a role on the FTT Board. FTT would like to thank all its board members for the expertise, knowledge, networks and passion that each brings to FTT:

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Acting Chairperson of the BoardDes Mahony is a Director at African Alliance Limited, where he is responsible for asset management, development finance and financial services to corporate clients. He joined the FTT Board in March 2005 and brings financial expertise to the team.

Deputy Chairperson of the BoardXol i le Caga was former ly Group Transformation Manager for the Edcon Group and is now an independent consultant. She was previously affiliated to FTT as a member of its Certification Panel from 2003 - 2006 and joined the FTT Board in May 2009.

Mati Nyazema is the Executive Director at the Sandton Convention Centre and is also responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of broad-based black economic empowerment within the Tsogo Sun group. She joined FTT as a board member in February 2013.

Lee-Anne Bac is a Director of Grant Thornton Strategic Solutions. She was a member of the Certification Panel from its inception in 2003 until its dissolution in September 2013 and joined FTT as a board member in October 2013.

Markus Schrader is the Head of Economic Cooperation and Development at the Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The aim of SECO’s activities is to foster inclusive economic growth and enable the further integration of partner countries into the global economy. Markus joined the board as an ex-officio member in August 2012.

Executive DirectorJenni fer Sei f has been involved in FTT since 2001 and has served as Executive Director of FTT since November 2004. Under Jennifer’s leadership, FTT has grown from a fledging operation with four certified businesses to a highly credible player on the international sustainable tourism stage.


The FTT Team


The FTT team grew during the period under review, as FTT created the positions of Business Development Support (BDS) Manager and Sales Manager. These new appointees will support tourism businesses to become FTT-certified as well as to support travel retailers and wholesalers to become FTT approved, in order to stimulate the demand for Fair Trade Tourism and the sale of Fair Trade Holidays.

• Adele van der Walt - Office Administrator• Emilie Hagedoorn – Sales Manager (New position created September 2013)• Katarina Mancama – Marketing Manager (Left June 2013)• Kate Finlay – Assessor (Left November 2013 - now contracted to FLO-Cert)• Kathy Bergs - General Manager• Katlego Tshabangu – PR & Marketing Assistant• Khaya Thwala - Stakeholder Communications Assistant (Left September 2013)• Malebo Rammekoa - Stakeholder Communications Assistant (Joined December 2013)• Maria Nkuna - Office Orderly• Netsai Sibanda - Stakeholder Relations Manager• Thiofhi Ravele – Business Development Support Manager (New position created September 2013)• Thokozile Qoboza – Marketing Manager (Joined October 2013)• Tsietsi Machaa – Bookkeeper

Due to the nature of FTT’s internship and exchange programmes, some members of the team are only with FTT for twelve months or less. Interns and volunteers who worked with FTT in the year under review include:

• Naledi Mosimanekgosi – Marketing Intern• Anja Breul – The Code Intern• Itumeleng Khutsoane – Marketing Intern

Naledi Mosimanekgosi was the fourth recipient of the Jennifer Caldwell Memorial Internship, established in honour of former FTT intern, Jennifer Caldwell, who died in a tragic road accident in September 2009.

Photo courtesy of Kwalata Game Ranch – Dinokeng Conservancy, Hammanskraal, Gauteng


FTT Donors & Partners

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At any given time, FTT works closely with various donors and partners who provide both the material support and the knowledge base vital to the organisation’s success.

In addition, FTT continues to be resourceful in mobilising in-kind contributions from the private sector including time, bed nights, car hire days, insurance, expertise and other facilities, all of which is much appreciated, as it enables FTT to stretch its budget as far as possible.

FTT would like to thank all the donors and in-kind supporters who continue to have confidence in FTT. The following is a list of key donors and supporters during 2013/14:

Adams & Adams is a leading South African law firm specialising in intellectual property law and various other specialised fields of general commercial law. Adams & Adams has supported the management of the FTT certification programme since 2001 through trademark registration and advice.

Avis is a leading South African car rental company that provides FTT with a fixed number of sponsored vehicle hire days within South Africa to facilitate travel to various project sites.

The Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC) supports and provides guidance to development programmes. The BTC’s aim is to increase access to markets for small and medium-sized FTT-certified businesses through market research (to identify clear target segments), product development assistance and creation of sustainable trade partnerships.

City Lodge has become a household name in the South African market, with a chain of 52 hotels throughout the country. City Lodge provides FTT with complimentary bed nights and board room usage.

End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking in Children for Sexual Purpose (ECPAT) International is a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. During the period under review, ECPAT subsidised FTT’S participation at the Code AGM. ECPAT Germany partnered with FTT to coordinate a country assessment as part of the “Don’t Look Away” project. They also subsidised the travel costs for FTT to disseminate research findings at a project meeting in Berlin prior to ITB.


The sustained growth of Fairtrade Label South Africa (FLSA) is the result of Fairtrade’s growing network. FLSA works with hundreds of commercial partners who stock Fairtrade certified goods on their retail shelves; serve Fairtrade coffee or wine to their customers in hotels, restaurants and airlines; or serve it to staff in their offices and canteens. FTT is an official Fairtrade at Work partner and has also partnered with FLSA for the “Power of You” campaign, a South African campaign that brings together like minded organisations working in sustainability in order to educate ordinary South Africans about the extraordinary power they have to change the world with simple everyday actions. FTT Executive Director, Jennifer Seif is a non-executive director of FLSA.

Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) is a gateway to Gauteng describing all the available tourist aspects and attractions. Gauteng Tourism Authority invested in a project to establish Gauteng as a responsible tourism destination through FTT-certification, resulting in a 100% increase in the number of FTT-certified businesses in the province.

As a federal enterprise, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has awarded a grant to FTT to build the capacity of tourism products in southern Africa’s tourism industry (beginning in Mozambique) to contribute to fair and decent job creation, improve livelihoods and promote resource efficiency through application of the FTT Quality Management System.

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organisations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. These firms help dynamic organisations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, forward looking advice. Grant Thornton employee, Lee-Anne Bac, was a FTT certification panel member until the panel’s dissolution in September 2013.

The National Department of Tourism (NDT) is mandated to create conditions for the sustainable growth and development of tourism in South Africa. NDT employee, Bernhard Meyer, was a FTT certification panel member until the panel’s dissolution in September 2013.

Resource Africa is a non-profit organisation that works with a range of global and African partners to encourage and deliver new models of natural resource management based on community participation. FTT shares office space with Resource Africa and seeks to implement joint projects where possible.

Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers (SATIB) are risk management consultants and insurance brokers to the tourism, hospitality and wildlife industries throughout southern Africa. SATIB partially sponsors FTT’s annual short-term insurance premiums.


South African National Parks (SANParks) manages a system of parks which represents the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country. SANParks employee, Chris Patton, was a FTT certification panel member until the panel’s dissolution in September 2013.

South African Tourism (SAT) is responsible for the promotion of tourism to and within South Africa. SAT and FTT concluded their Joint Marketing Agreement to promote FTT in Australia/New Zealand and USA/Canada during the period under review. SAT employee, Hanneli Slabber, was a FTT certification panel member until the panel’s dissolution in September 2013.

South African Youth Student Travel Confederation (SAYTC) is a non-profit, membership-driven organisation with the objective to market South Africa globally as a preferred youth tourism destination. FTT is SAYTC’s preferred responsible tourism certification programme for its members and together promote responsible volunteering (voluntourism).

Swiss Import Promotion Agency (SIPPO) helps small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets and markets in transition to enter the Swiss and European Union markets. SIPPO enables FTT’s participation at the Swiss Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) and roadshow through German speaking Europe annually.

Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the Swiss Confederation agency responsible for economic policy. SECO is involved in supporting macro-economic policy reforms, infrastructure projects and programmes for promoting trade and investment. SECO has provided core funding for the period 2012 – 2017 to enable FTT to scale up its programme.

Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) supports companies in the South African tourism sector to conclude commercially viable transactions that will help to create and maintain jobs. TEP assists many FTT-certified products to participate in FTT events and processes (e.g. certification).

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network. UNDP advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. It provides expert advice, training, and grant support to developing countries, with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries. During the period under review, the UNDP funded an agri-tourism project in Limpopo.


The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment in the United Nations system. It is an advocate, educator, catalyst and facilitator, promoting the wise use of the planet’s natural assets for sustainable development. UNEP’s mission is “to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations”. UNEP funded a regional workshop, organised by FTT in partnership with RETOSA, in August 2013.

The ambition of the World Responsible Tourism Awards (WRTA) is to champion the individuals and tourism businesses who are the heroes of responsible tourism, acknowledging how proactive they are being in leading by example. FTT partnered with ResponsibleTravel.com to sponsor the Best Short Film for Responsible Tourism category in the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014. The sponsorship provides FTT with international exposure for 12 months, culminating in the presentation of the award itself in November 2014.

Photo courtesy of Ocean Safaris – Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape


The Year Ahead

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The year ahead will be an exciting one, as FTT furthers its strategy to scale up supply of and demand for Fair Trade Tourism.

Internal capacity will be strengthened through the appointment of a tourism expert through GIZ’s Centre for International Migration. A major goal for the year ahead is for FTT to establish partnerships with additional donors active in southern and East Africa. German Development Cooperation organisations in particular will be targeted with the support of a dedicated expert, Manuel Bollmann, who will join FTT in July 2014.

Domestic supply of FTT-certified businesses will grow through the appointment of a network of qualified Business Development Service Providers. Regional growth will be stimulated as FTT facilitates Mutual Recognition with credible sustainable tourism certification schemes in southern and East Africa, for example Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) and Eco Awards Namibia – two leading programmes with a national scope in their destinations. Tourism products that are certified by schemes that have entered into Mutual Recognition with FTT will be eligible for inclusion in Fair Trade Holidays currently on sale in key overseas source markets.

Strategic partnerships and campaigns will boost awareness raising efforts. This will be heightened in the domestic market through the exciting Power of You campaign, in which FTT has partnered with FLSA, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and other sustainability leaders to launch a unified campaign to sensitise South African consumers, in particular youth, about sustainable and ethical consumption: how to make better purchasing decisions/how to travel fairly/how to change the world with their everyday choices. FTT’s global profile is growing through the innovative marketing approach of sponsoring a category in the globally recognised, World Responsible Tourism Awards, which will provide FTT with high level international exposure for a full year, and is in keeping with the theme of FTT’s soon-to-be launched Keep It Real toolkit on communicating sustainability efforts.

FTT’s advocacy role remains pivotal as, with the support of ECPAT – Netherlands, FTT implements the South African component of an international project

called “Defence of Children”, which will help raise awareness about the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) and the Tourism Child Protection Code and build FTT’s own technical knowledge about this important topic.

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Annual Financial Statements

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FAIR TRADE TOURISM (NPC)(Formerly known as Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa)

(Registration number 2004/034455/08)Annual Financial Statements

For the year ended 28 February 2014

These annual financial statements were prepared by:Tsietsi Machaa

Fair Trade Tourism (NPC)These annual financial statements have been audited in compliance with the applicable

requirements of the Companies Act 71 of 2008.


CONTENTS

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT 45

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 46

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 47 - 48

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 49

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 50

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 51

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 52

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 53 - 65

The following supplementary information does not form part of the annual financial statements and is unaudited:

DETAILED INCOME STATEMENT 66
























FAIR TRADE TOURISM (FTT) NPC

34A Hatfield Corner, 1270 Stanza Bopape Street,

Colbyn, PretoriaPO Box 12844,

Queenswood, 0121

e: [email protected] w: www.fairtrade.travel

t: +27 (0)12 342 2945/3642/7810 f: +27 (0)12 342 2946

Photo courtesy of Leshiba Wilderness – Southpansberg Mnts, near Makhado, Limpopo

ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14 - fairtrade.travel€¦ · FAIR TRADE TOURISM Annual Report 2013/14 4 Who We Are Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is a non-profit organisation that promotes responsible

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