Responsible Tourism

With the growing awareness of Responsible Tourism there is an increasing demand for travellers in supporting local development projects, environmental awareness, eco tourism, conservation & much more. 

Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa

Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) is a non-profit organisation initiative that certifies tourism businesses for operating according to the principles of 'fair trade'. FTTSA awards a special Trademark or label to qualifying businesses as a way of signifying their commitment to these principles (fair share, democracy, respect, reliability, transparency, sustainability) and related criteria, including fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing, fair operations, equitable distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and environment. By electing to stay at or use the services of a FTTSA certified establishment, tourists can be assured that their travel benefits local communities and economies, and that  the business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Fair Trade in Tourism member properties within the Portfolio Collection are Klippe Rivier, Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Grootbos Nature Reserve, Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse & Farm 215. 

Green Futures

Each year Grootbos Nature Reserve selects twelve thousand unemployed young people from nearby townships to participate in the Green Future horticulutre landscaping and life-skills course. The course combines essential life skills with knowledge on environmental and conservation issues. One of the most encouraging aspects of the course is that all graduates have managed to find employment. 

Africa Collection supports this foundation by participating in the Grootbos Foundations Responsible Tourism Package. Guests will be informed of the foundation with a welcome letter and will each receive a beaded coaster made by the Nolwandle Crafts project or a Fire Flower made by a local empowerment company. The client also participates in a two-hour responsible tourism tour which will include a visit to the Green Futures College, the Gansbaai Sports Project and a township tour. Each couple or family will be invited to provide an opputunity to plant a tree at one of the project sites.

Township Stays

The Portfolio Collection presents an opputunity for travellers to gain an insight to township life, to experience unbuntu - the tradition of African Hospitality - as well as the richness of its history, arts, crafts, music and food. Hosts extend an arms-wide welcome and offer modest accommodation. Portfolio had visitied and selected homes which have opened their doors to guests. Click here for Western Cape Township B&B's & click here for Soweto Township B&B's.

Green Issues

As a responsible tourism company we have seen the impact on green issues, therefore we aim to recycle where possible for example paper, cardboard and surplus brochures. We are taking the steps to use less paper by using e-mail to communicate with clients and suppliers rather than letters, and our previously paper based rates manuals are now saved electronically. It may not sound much, but if everyone did it ! 

"Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find"~Quoted in Time Magazine