Africa is taking its rightful place as a leader in responsible tourism.
Better Tourism Africa (previously the International Centre for Responsible Tourism – South Africa), was established in 2006 to lobby on behalf of the continent’s responsible tourism community.
We also enable tourism businesses, destinations, local people and natural and cultural heritage to thrive. We do so because better places for local people mean better places to visit.
Our Mission
Our mission is to harness tourism to create better places for people to live in better places for people to visit.
We work with government and the private sector in Africa to implement the objectives of Responsible Tourism as described in the Cape Town Declaration.
We believe tourism should help build prosperous and inclusive local economies, healthy natural environments, and celebrate and preserve cultures. Through our continent-wide network of activists we advocate and agitate for responsible tourism.
Latest responsible tourism news
Wesgro and Martelize Brink to tag team at 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards
With less than one month to go until the ceremony for the 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards (#ARTA19), the award has two exciting announcements. Wesgro - Cape Town and the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade
2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards longlist revealed
The 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards (#ARTA19) has moved into the second round in which 36 tourism organisations will compete for the top spots. Since 2015 the awards have recognised African organisations that offer
From the Cradle of Humankind to the Cradle of Human Culture
An exciting new route in the Western Cape along will provide a fascinating journey back to some of the very earliest human behaviours. Visitors and locals can now explore early culture and how it evolved into
Explore our recent work
African Responsible Tourism Awards
The African Responsible Tourism Awards is a continent-wide search for Africa’s most inspiring responsible tourism experiences. It forms part of a global family of awards, culminating in the prestigious World Responsible Tourism Awards. Better Tourism Africa has organised the African awards since its inception in 2015.
Strengthening the WOWZULU model for sustainable community-based tourism
Better Tourism Africa has partnered with KwaZulu-Natal-based rural development agency, Africa!Ignite, on a project funded by UNEP’s 10YFP initiative. The project aims to bring together tourism stakeholders to research, strengthen and document the WOWZULU tourism initiative as a model for sustainable community-based tourism in South Africa.