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
Cradle of Human Culture Route launched in the Western Cape
The Western Cape Government today launched the Cradle of Human Culture - archaeological and paleontological heritage routes with three anchor sites in the Western Cape – alongside the World Travel Market Africa 2019 conference in
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve scoops the top spot in the 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - the luxury lodge tucked between mountains, forest and sea just outside Gansbaai - was announced as the Overall Winner of the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2019. The announcement was made
Responsible Tourism programme at WTM Africa 2019
The International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Better Tourism Africa invite WTM Africa 2019 visitors and exhibitors to attend the official WTM Responsible Tourism seminars, 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards and the 'Business Case
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.