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Glenda Kitley, Manager of Gansbaai Tourism, which won “Best destination for Responsible Tourism” at the World Responsible Tourism Awards in 2015, is incredibly proud of her town. Since winning, Gansbaai has benefitted with growth in the international tourism market and a rise in responsible practices by tourism business owners.
“The award has grown the resident’s town pride and support for nature based activities, beyond the Great White Shark Cage Diving industry, for which the town is famous,” says Glenda. “Gansbaai is a natural gem, home to rare fynbos, whales, seals, penguins, Cape Leopard and Western Leopard Toad. By inspiring more people to enjoy the local nature, its value grows, which helps with its protection.”
8th November, World Responsible Tourism Day is marked around the world, with special events aimed at demonstrating the tourism industry's determination to improve tourism practices. Holiday destinations awarded the prize, demonstrate they have set an inspirational and influential example in responsible tourism.
“It inspires business owners to investigate new, responsible ways of offering tourism, says Glenda. “By working together, Managers, public authorities and businesses can create a business environment, that maximises economic and social benefits.”
Gansbaai Tourism has continued to educate the town on responsible practices, with the “Rethink the Bag” campaign to help reduce plastic ending up in the oceans.
A number of local restaurants have stopped using plastic straws and cut down on polystyrene use as a result.
“The Gansbaai Tourism is a lot more than just an information service, we must also drive the protection and improvement of tourism in our region,” says Glenda. “The unique and fragile eco systems of Gansbaai, both on land and sea, can only be conserved in the long run, if tourists, businesses and host communities all join forces in minimising damage to the biodiversity, the ecosystem and natural resources that are the basis of their destination’s scenic assets.”
