Tourism industry unveils green lung programme

Failure to protect ecosystems could harm travel sector

- By Tebogo Magoba

South Africa's tourism and travel sector has launched a new sustainability initiative aimed at shifting sustainability from reporting frameworks to visible, on-the-ground outcomes.

The Tourism & Travel Green Lung, unveiled on February 3, positions environmental restoration, climate resilience and small-business participation at the centre of tourism sustainability.

The initiative was launched at Vergelegen Wine Estate in the Western Cape, where industry stakeholders planted 250 trees across a 10-hectare site.

Globally, tourism markets are shifting as travellers place greater weight on sustainability and environmental stewardship. A global consumer study from Booking.com shows that 93% of travellers want to make more sustainable travel choices.