Welcome to the ATTA Sustainability Toolkit, your comprehensive resource for navigating the exciting journey toward a more sustainable and responsible African tourism and travel industry.
Incorporating sustainability into your operations isn't just about preserving the planet; it's about safeguarding the unique cultures, environments, and communities that make African tourism so extraordinary. With the ATTA Sustainability Toolkit, you'll discover practical tools, expert guidance, and inspiring success stories from industry leaders who have transformed their businesses while leaving a positive impact on the continent.
Join us as we venture on a transformative adventure, one that balances the thrill of exploration with the responsibility of preservation. Together, we'll explore best practices, discover innovative solutions, and collaborate on building a sustainable future that benefits travelers, communities, and the planet.
Let's collectively embrace this exciting journey, where sustainable, meaningful travel isn't just a destination—it's the path we choose to tread, hand in hand with the world's most stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Welcome to the ATTA Sustainability Toolkit, where your adventure begins with a commitment to making a difference.
At ATTA®, we are committed to promoting and supporting sustainable practices within the African travel and tourism industry. We recognize the importance of protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering socio-economic development in the regions our members operate. Our sustainability policy serves as a guiding framework for our association, our members, and our stakeholders and have created an ATTA Charter for Sustainable Tourism based on the following principals:
Charter Principals
Environmental Stewardship:
We encourage our members to minimize their environmental impact by promoting responsible resource management, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.
We encourage our members to implement sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
We support initiatives that contribute to biodiversity conservation, protection of natural habitats, and responsible wildlife tourism.
Socio-cultural Preservation:
We value and respect the diverse cultures and traditions of the communities we engage with.
We promote fair and equitable practices, respecting the rights and dignity of local communities and indigenous peoples.
We encourage our members to engage in community-based tourism, supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage.
Economic Prosperity:
We strive to create economic opportunities that benefit local communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
We advocate for fair and ethical business practices, promoting transparency, and supporting responsible supply chains.
We encourage our members to contribute to the socio-economic development of the regions they operate in, empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering job creation.
Climate Action:
We acknowledge the importance of addressing climate change and commit to reducing our carbon footprint.
We promote sustainable transportation options, encourage carbon offsetting, and support renewable energy initiatives.
We advocate for climate resilience and adaptation measures within the tourism industry.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and local communities.
We actively seek opportunities to share knowledge, best practices, and resources to advance sustainable tourism in Africa.
We support and engage in initiatives that promote sustainability, conservation, and responsible tourism at regional and international levels.
Education and Awareness:
We are committed to raising awareness about sustainable tourism practices among our members, industry professionals, and travelers.
We provide educational resources, training programs, and platforms for knowledge sharing.
We encourage our members to educate and inspire travelers to make responsible choices that support sustainability and local communities.
Monitoring and Reporting:
We strive for continuous improvement in our member’s sustainability efforts.
We support programs and initiatives that monitor and evaluate progress, set measurable targets, and report transparently on sustainability performance.
We encourage our members to monitor and report on their sustainability initiatives, sharing their successes and lessons learned.
This sustainability policy is a living document that will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. We commit to upholding these principles, promoting sustainable practices, and driving positive change within the African travel and tourism industry.
On this page you will find information relating to:
African tourism brands should seriously consider obtaining a sustainable certification or process for the many positive social and environmental outcomes for both the advocacy of climate and social justice in Africa as well as their own brand identity and economic gain.
Responsible travel isn't just a trend; it's a necessary approach for long-term business success. Climate change, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences can all affect the tourism industry. Businesses that embrace sustainable practices are better equipped to adapt to these challenges. Sustainable certifications often involve comprehensive assessments and planning, ensuring that businesses are prepared to thrive even in the face of uncertainty.
Sustainability certification schemes provide a structured framework to measure and validate your commitment to ethical, environmental, and socially conscious operations. Whether you're a lodge owner, tour operator, or any other stakeholder in the African tourism supply chain, this overview is your gateway to understanding and embracing sustainability. We recognize the landscape can be overwhelming, therefore we have provided an overview of the various regional and international certification schemes available to African-based tourism businesses.
Numerous organizations specializing in tourism sustainability certification offer valuable guidance and assistance for enhancing operational sustainability and aligning with their standards. Businesses interested in certification should reach out to these organizations directly to gain insight into the services they provide and the application process.
Green Key is an eco-label awarded to tourism businesses, including accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, that demonstrate commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable operation.
At the heart of responsible travel lies the commitment to sustainability. As travelers increasingly seek authentic and eco-conscious experiences, it's crucial for the African tourism industry to lead the way in promoting sustainable practices. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with the essential resources to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Discover Comprehensive Resources: Whether you're an avid traveler, a tourism professional, or a passionate advocate, our platform offers a wealth of sustainability training resources. From in-depth courses to bite-sized modules, or expert consultants we have something for everyone.
Diverse Learning Formats: Choose your preferred learning style. Immerse yourself in our interactive in-person workshops, dive into the convenience of online courses, or engage with thought leaders through enlightening webinars. Our commitment to accessible educational options ensures that you can learn at your own pace, on your terms.
Tailored to Your Needs: We understand that every journey is unique. Our platform accommodates individual learners seeking personal growth, as well as organizations aspiring to make a collective impact. We have provided you with a comprehensive list of solutions for businesses, groups, and destinations, designed to address your specific sustainability goals.
Empower Change: Join us in our mission to create positive change in the way we explore and promote African tourism. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and tools for sustainable travel, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of our breathtaking landscapes and the well-being of local communities.
Start Your Sustainable Journey: Embark on a path of learning, growth, and impactful change. Explore our wide range of resources and start your journey towards responsible and sustainable travel in Africa. Join us in shaping the future of travel - one that leaves a positive footprint.
Industry tourism leader providing advisory services to World Travel Market on Responsible Tourism, developing and organising the growing programme at their portfolio of shows WTM London, WTM Africa, Arabian Travel Market, and WTM Latin America
This group offers a 360 turn key solution to Universal Access, helping you on making your environment accessible using the seven principles of Universal Design to create spaces that are accessible and welcoming to all regardless of age, ability, size or need.
ANIMONDIAL is a specialist consultancy working with travel and tourism businesses to improve animal welfare, halt biodiversity loss and ensure nature’s recovery.
Offered through the International Ecotourism Society: Through membership services, industry outreach and educational programs, TIES is committed to helping organizations, communities and individuals promote and practice the principles of ecotourism
To support the efforts of African countries to actively engage in the transition to an inclusive green economy, and the promotion of a shift to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns.
Embrace Sustainability, Empower Change: As the African Travel and Tourism Association, we are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability that preserves the rich natural and cultural heritage of Africa for generations to come. By utilizing these resources, you are contributing to a more responsible and mindful travel industry—one that thrives while respecting the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the diverse communities we serve.
Embark on a journey of knowledge, action, and transformation. Explore our carefully curated selection of sustainability resources and take the first step towards shaping a brighter future for African travel and tourism.
Global Sustainability Frameworks
Discover international organizations, partnerships, and networks that offer a panoramic view of global sustainability policies, concerns, and actions. Gain access to reports and information that illuminate the path towards a more sustainable future for tourism.
Comprehensive Guidance
Delve into a wide range of topics, each accompanied by comprehensive guidance. Our carefully selected resources cover everything from responsible tourism practices to eco-friendly accommodation solutions. You'll find actionable steps to implement sustainable changes in your operations.
Global Relevance with an African Focus
While the information we offer holds global applicability, we take pride in spotlighting African contexts. Our resources incorporate references and examples from the diverse landscapes, cultures, and challenges that make up the African travel and tourism experience.
Encourage the active participation of local communities in the tourism industry. This can be achieved by creating platforms for locals to showcase their culture, traditions, and crafts. By involving them in decision-making processes and offering economic benefits, the industry can empower local communities and ensure that tourism benefits are shared more equitably.
African countries are abundant with diverse ecosystems and incredible wildlife. It is crucial to prioritize conservation efforts and promote sustainable wildlife tourism. This involves implementing responsible tourism practices such as limiting the number of visitors in protected areas, providing education on wildlife protection, and supporting anti-poaching initiatives.
Encourage the development and promotion of eco-friendly accommodations such as eco-lodges and sustainable resorts. These establishments should incorporate renewable energy sources, waste management systems, and water conservation practices. Additionally, they can collaborate with local suppliers for sourcing food and other resources, thereby supporting the local economy.
Encourage travelers to choose responsible tour operators that prioritize sustainability. These operators should adhere to sustainable tourism practices, promote local experiences, respect wildlife and cultural heritage, and contribute to community development. Certifications or accreditation programs can be established to identify and promote such operators.
Educate tourists about sustainable tourism practices and the importance of respecting local cultures, wildlife, and the environment. This can be done through social media, pre and post-trip communication, website resources, and other digital media platforms. Encourage responsible behavior, such as proper waste disposal, respecting wildlife habitats, and supporting local businesses.
Encourage and participate in collaborations between government bodies, local communities, NGOs, and private sector entities. This collaboration can facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, conservation projects, and community-based initiatives. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their expertise and resources to create a more sustainable tourism industry.
African countries have rich cultural heritage, which should be protected and preserved. Encourage the promotion of cultural experiences that respect and preserve local traditions, arts, and crafts. This can be achieved through cultural festivals, museums, and artisan markets that showcase and support local artisans.
Governments and tourism authorities and private businesses should develop comprehensive strategies and policies that prioritize sustainability. These strategies should encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, addressing issues such as resource management, community development, and fair distribution of tourism benefits.
Regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism activities on the environment, local communities, and wildlife. This will help identify areas that need improvement and inform decision-making processes. Transparent reporting and sharing of data will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to ensure long-term sustainability.
By implementing these measures, the African tourism industry can become more sustainable, benefiting both the environment and local communities while providing an authentic and responsible travel experience for tourists.
WTM Africa’s Responsible Tourism Awards champion the best work in Responsible Tourism on the continent. Join our celebration of those devoted to sustainability and consistently generate positive influence and set exemplary standards. The primary goal of these awards is to unearth, acknowledge, and promote good practice. These prestigious awards demonstrate how businesses and destinations are fostering transformation and spearheading innovative initiatives centred around the welfare and sustainability of tourism.
Since 2014, the program has been supporting African countries in their transition towards sustainable development, supporting policymakers, business and non-state actors in making the switch to sustainable consumption and production practices that also generate growth, create decent jobs and reduce poverty. The programme has a wide range of stakeholders, including national and local government representatives, regional economic communities, other programmes under the European Union’s SWITCH to green initiative.
The programme is designed to support and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production in Africa and has been very active working with multi stakeholders in the tourism sector to support public-private partnerships and increase tourism certification schemes regionally by country. This has successfully already been implemented in Kenya and recently launched in Uganda.
Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries. As a leader in the global movement to make trade fair, Fairtrade supports and challenges businesses and governments while connecting farmers and workers with the people who buy their products.
By choosing Fairtrade, people can create change through their everyday actions.
With members in over 100 countries and territories as well as regional bodies and sector platforms, they foster the broad adoption of truly sustainable agriculture, value chains, and consumption in line with the principles of organic agriculture. Through their work, they build capacity to facilitate the transition of farmers to organic agriculture, raise awareness of the need for sustainable production and consumption, and advocate for a policy environment conducive to agro-ecological farming practices and sustainable development
Their mission is to use their ecolabel and fishery certification program to contribute to the health of the world’s oceans by recognising and rewarding sustainable fishing practices, influencing the choices people make when buying seafood and working with partners to transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis.
To support consumers in understanding their sustainable seafood options, SASSI provides a few easy-to-use tools that categorise seafood species according to a ‘traffic light’ system of red, orange and green. These tools include a credit card-sized pocket guide, a free app and a mobile SMS service, aptly named FishMS.
The Sustainable Agriculture Standard, along with its assurance and technology systems, are designed to deliver more value to the more than four million farmers and workers and thousands of businesses that use Rainforest Alliance certification to drive more sustainable agricultural production and responsible supply chains.
Their mission is to protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises through a connected community of people with expertise, capacity, and resources. The WCA was created with the explicit purpose of bringing together organisations and people to create an integrated model for cetacean conservation and protection.
Green Fins is a proven conservation management approach – implemented internationally by The Reef-World Foundation and the UN Environment Programme – which leads to a measurable reduction in the negative environmental impacts associated with marine tourism. It aims to protect coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines promoting sustainable diving and snorkelling. It provides the only internationally recognised environmental standards for marine tourism and its robust assessment system measures compliance.
Every Child Protected Against Trafficking is a leading children's rights organisation working to protect children from trafficking and transnational exploitation. We support children everywhere to uphold their rights and to live a life free from abuse and exploitation.
The Code (short for The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism) is a multi-stakeholder initiative with the mission to provide awareness, tools and support to the travel and tourism industry to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. The Code is a voluntary set of criteria that members commit to, to keep children safe.
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) is the global authority on the protection and preservations of cultural heritage assets through the development of responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism practices and policies.
As a globally recognised and respected NGO we bring together public, private, community-based and specialist academic sector organisations to assist Governments, Donors, Destinations and the Tourism sector as a whole, achieve their long-term goals and objectives whilst minimising the risks associated with inadequate or ineffective Cultural Heritage Tourism (CHT) planning.
Sustainable Brands is a community of thought leaders and innovators who are working to create a more sustainable future. Their website is full of articles, webinars, and other resources to help individuals and businesses learn about sustainable practices and how to implement them.
GreenBiz is a media company focused on sustainable business practices. Their website features articles, podcasts, and other resources on a wide range of sustainability-related topics, from renewable energy to circular economy.
The Climate Reality Project is a non-profit organization founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Their website is a great resource for learning about climate change and what we can do to mitigate its effects.
Project Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions. From individual action to international finance and beyond, Project Drawdown is accelerating the adoption of climate solutions around the world in partnership with corporate leaders, investors, philanthropists, policymakers, educators, community change makers, and more.
The World Wildlife Fund is a conservation organization that works to protect endangered species and their habitats. Their website features information on sustainability and environmental issues, as well as ways individuals can get involved in conservation efforts.
By visiting these websites and others like them, you can stay informed and educated on sustainability, and work towards creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
Melissa Foley has recently joined the ATTA® team to advise and support the ATTA for Action – A Conscious CommUNITY Collective initiative. Utilising over 20 years of corporate marketing experience, extensive world travel, and more than a decade of NGO consulting globally, she has a unique perspective on ethical travel. She has organically curated a diverse international network striving to benchmark meaningful social and environmental sustainability practices that are adaptable and relevant for the African tourism industry.
Creating All About Africa Consulting was inspired by a simple philosophy that everyone in the tourism supply chain shares a collective obligation and economic opportunity to protect our communities, natural resources, and cultural traditions.
Based in Cape Town, she represents a diverse portfolio sharing common values. Her true passion is facilitating the integration between various stakeholders to create lasting collaborations where transformational tourism can truly thrive.
ATTA® serves and supports businesses in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands representing buyers and suppliers of tourism product across 31 African countries. With 746 members, ATTA® acts as Pan-Africa’s largest network of tourism product covering not only accommodation, transport and travel specialists in Africa, but a formidable selection of tour operators, representation and PR companies worldwide promoting tourism to Africa.
ATTA® is a trusted platform for the dissemination of accurate and informative news from, and relating to, the African continent and Indian Ocean islands. ATTA® members are able to share their news through our channels and here you will learn about what is new and happening across the African continent and Indian Ocean islands.
Trade shows to networking events, webinars to online member training and more... ATTA® hosts a number of events providing members with the opportunity to connect with one another, do business and learn. To find out more see what is coming up next.
WTM Responsible Tourism Africa
Switch Africa Green
Fairtrade international
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
Marine Stewardship Council international
SASSI List
Rainforest Alliance
World Cetacean Alliance
Green Fins
ECPACT UK
The Code
UNICEF
World Tourism Assoc for Culture and Heritage
Sustainable Brands
GreenBiz
The Climate Reality Project
Project Drawdown:
World Wildlife Fund
