FTTSA proudly presents Tuningi Safari Lodge as landmark number 60 in FTTSA’s portfolio.
FTTSA certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.
Tuningi Safari Lodge is an elegant, five star lodge set in the Big 5, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province. This world-renowned, 75,000-hectare reserve has a unique story behind it since only fifteen years ago much of it was arid, cattle grazing land.
Through the collective effort of government, communities and investors, the reserve was reintroduced into the area and Madikwe was created. As a result, tourism and conservation benefits are now being generated with the consequent positive impacts felt in the surrounding area.
FTTSA-certification reviews (among other things) efforts made by a tourism business regarding the training and skills development of its workforce. Tuningi Safari Lodge focuses on personal and life skills development as well as job-related training for its staff, particularly for people from the local community and women.
FTTSA-certification also evaluates the tourism business’ procurement practice. Tuningi Safari Lodge has a formal procurement policy in place that gives preference to local suppliers. In support of both this procurement strategy and it waste management objectives, the business supports the Mmasedbudule recycling project in Madikwe Game Reserve and purchases indigenous plants for the lodge from a local farm.
Tuningi also endeavours to ensure that other tourism establishments benefit from the business it is able to generate by working with other tourism businesses within the Madikwe and De Hoop Collections.
Commenting on their achievement, Kate Naughton, PR & Marketing Manager of Madikwe Collection said:
“I am so pleased that Tuningi Safari Lodge has achieved Fair Trade accreditation. It is yet another indication that our lodges are doing as much as they can to help their staff better themselves and the communities in which they live.”
FTTSA’s Certification Manager, Lisa Scriven, is excited about the initiative taken by Tuningi (and other lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve) to demonstrate their commitment to Fair Trade practices in the tourism industry.
She says:
"Tuningi is the 4th lodge in Madikwe to be successfully awarded FTTSA certification; this shows the clear trend towards understanding the need to communicate responsible tourism business practices to a consumer market with increased awareness of social and environmental challenges.”
Book Fair Trade accommodation at Tungini or any of our other FTTSA establishments by contacting Portfolio.
