Cape Town’s commitment to Responsible Tourism

Cape Town has long been a pioneer in responsible tourism, with commitments dating back to the Cape Town Declaration of 2002 and the formalised Responsible Tourism Policy of 2009. In this article, Theuns Vivian, Destination Development Head in the City, explores how Cape Town has embraced responsible tourism principles to foster sustainable development and inclusivity.

What is responsible tourism?

Since 2002, with the Cape Town Declaration and the formalised Responsible Tourism Policy in 2009, the City of Cape Town has committed to responsible tourism. This approach to tourism management aims to maximise economic, social, and environmental benefits while minimising costs to destinations.

In essence, responsible tourism creates better places for people to live and visit. It focuses on achieving sustainable development’s triple-bottom-line outcomes: economic growth, environmental integrity, and social justice. The distinctive feature of this approach is the emphasis on the responsibility of tourism sector role-players and destinations to take action and achieve sustainable tourism development.

Our approach also addresses the roles of all stakeholders, as outlined in the 1996 White Paper for The Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. Section 4.2 Guiding Principles emphasises that tourism development and promotion should be government-led, industry-driven, and community-supported. This principle harnesses the collective resources and efforts of these groups to deliver on creating better places to live and visit.

In discussions with industry stakeholders, it became clear that many institutions already apply responsible tourism principles in their daily operations. However, a coordinated effort is needed to expand the knowledge base on solutions, applications, and best practices. To this end, the City has reintroduced a destination Responsible Tourism Charter. Stakeholders commit to implementing responsible tourism and sharing their knowledge and experiences in a joint forum.

Setting a benchmark for responsible and inclusive tourism worldwide

In our journey of applying responsible tourism principles, we identified shortcomings in our tourism facilities regarding accessible tourism. Universal access, or accessible tourism, enables everyone, regardless of functional limitations, to participate in the tourism experience confidently, independently, and with dignity through universally accessible tourism products, services, and environments. These are aimed at, but not limited to:

  • Elderly travellers
  • Travellers with temporary and permanent physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Families with babies and small children

The City recently concluded a study on the state of our tourism facilities, including key tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, beaches and associated facilities, information points, tour operators, and transport. The following recommendations were proposed for further discussion and consideration:

  • Provide induction loop systems in reception areas, meeting and conference venues, transport facilities, and vehicles.
  • Train front office staff and general staff in Sign Language to assist with appropriate service delivery.
  • Provide more detailed information on transport and accommodation facilities’ websites regarding features available for different disabilities.
  • Introduce voice-aided facilities in lifts, with audible warnings indicating lift operations.
  • Introduce Braille menus in restaurants.
  • Provide toilets accessible to people with disabilities at main beaches.
  • Provide parking spaces designated for disabled persons at beaches, attractions, and transport hubs.
  • Adapt information desks to be height-accessible for tourists with mobility and physical impairments, particularly wheelchair users.
  • Train information services in basic Sign Language.
  • Provide tourist information in Braille for visually impaired tourists.
  • Adapt vehicles to accommodate wheelchair users.
  • Provide tour visual aids such as maps, images, and drawings.

By addressing these recommendations, Cape Town is creating a more inclusive and accessible tourism environment, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the rich experiences the city has to offer. Cape Town is not only enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination but is also setting a benchmark for responsible and inclusive tourism worldwide.