By Prince Njagu
The 2014 edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo has gone to the next level in its quest to become ‘Africa’s Premier Business Exchange’ forum after successfully conducting a green tourism workshop on Friday that educated delegates attending the expo on the importance of protecting the environment.
The workshop which was dubbed, ‘Towards Green Tourism’, sought to educate business people on managing any business ventures more efficiently, reducing carbon emission, and proper disposal of waste whilst the business makes a profit.
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) states that, “Green Tourism” takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, while addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, and the environment and host communities.
Ms Florence Nhekairo; Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality said; “Being green doesn’t mean lowering the quality of the product but it’s more of total quality management; good business management with the environment at heart”.
“It’s all about protecting the flora and fauna” said Andrea Nicholas from Green Tourism Business Scheme.
Green Tourism Business Scheme; is a United Kingdom based quality checking organization which carries out quality checks on players within the tourism sector and they certify these organizations according to how they are protecting the environment.
Andrea indicated that a Trip Advisor (2013) survey showed that 79% of tourists placed much importance on good eco-friendly management practices and this was all to do with sustainable environment management.
John Proctor: Technical Director Green Tourism Business said, “Green Tourism provides a framework to help in managing your business better; by reducing running costs and carbon emission”.
Recycling and energy serving mechanism were identified as key elements in total quality management in the tourism industry and constant quality checks being vital in the tourism sector.
John applauded the Rainbow Towers Hotel for its efforts to save energy by installing the eco-friendly light emitting dyad lighting system within its hotel and acknowledged that the hotel was making strides toward promoting green tourism.
