Traveler’s Eye Signs Partnership to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Africa

PHOTO: Because of the value of its horn on the black market, the rhino is in danger of extinction. (Photo by David Cogswell)

The Ebola scare that paralyzed the tourism industry in Africa last year brought forth no more urgent a message than the fact that without tourism it would not be possible to protect Africa’s endangered species, such as the rhino, from market forces that will soon drive the species to extinction.

The crisis served to underline the importance of sustainable tourism, but it is not just wildlife that relies on sustainable tourism for its survival in today’s world. Sustainable tourism is crucial for millions of people around the world too.  

Traveler’s Eye, a Tanzania-based organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices in Africa, signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA).

The agreement was solidified at the Southern Africa Women in Tourism (SAWIT) conference held Nov. 22-25 at President Walmont Hotel Udmozi Park in Malawi’s capital city of Lilongwe.

Consistent with its style and vision, Traveler’s Eye does not see the alliance as merely a “strategic partnership” but calls it a “transformational bond.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the organizations will work together to pursue their common objective of encouraging the adoption of sustainable tourism principles in the countries of Southern Africa.

Traveler’s Eye was founded two years ago with the tagline “Uniting to Conserve Africa’s Legacy.” The association so impressed Tanzanian authorities that the government appointed it to be the country’s National Sustainable Tourism Driver.

The partnership with RETOSA will help Traveler’s Eye extend its reach throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Traveler’s Eye will have greater access to RETOSA member countries, including Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

One of the initial projects to be undertaken by the partnership is an initiative to provide inexpensive ceramic water filters designed to help provide a sustainable supply of clean water for tourism host communities in Africa.

The associations also intend to collaborate on initiatives to translocate endangered species as part of efforts to protect the animals from poachers and other dangers that threaten their existence as species.