South Africa culture and township stay

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Efforts have been made to reduce avoidable internal flights. Shared local transport options, such as minibuses and buses, are encouraged by Thaba Eco Hotel, Parker Cottage, Camissa Tours, Coffeebean Routes, and Hannival's Travel and Tours, which helps to reduce CO2 emissions per person. These accommodations and tour operators also promote human-powered transport, such as walking and cycling tours.

Thaba Eco Hotel uses a combination of solar energy and energy-efficient systems to reduce its carbon footprint. Parker Cottage also utilizes solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. Parker Cottage makes a concerted effort to minimize its environmental impact and maximize the use of its surroundings. The B&B has installed rainwater storage systems capable of holding 10,000 liters, which are used for garden irrigation and washing linens. Additionally, energy-saving air source heat pumps provide hot water, while energy-efficient inverter heat pumps are used for heating and cooling the rooms.

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available daily at Gold Restaurant, Sakumzi, and Cafe Bohemia. These restaurants prioritize using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Gold Restaurant additionally implements measures to minimize food waste, contributing to overall sustainability efforts.

Camissa Tours and Coffeebean Routes provide customers with tips on how to reduce their carbon footprint during their holidays. They educate customers on eco-friendly practices and promote human-powered transport during their tours.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Thaba Eco Hotel and Parker Cottage have implemented policies to reduce their environmental impacts. Thaba Eco Hotel practices water reduction, plastic reduction, and recycling, and has installed rainwater harvesting systems and uses sustainable building materials. Parker Cottage actively recycles waste through The Salvation Army, uses filtered tap water instead of bottled water, and replaces garden plants with indigenous species.

Both Thaba Eco Hotel and Parker Cottage are involved in nature restoration projects. Thaba Eco Hotel participates in reforestation projects and has created habitats for local wildlife within its grounds. Parker Cottage maintains a garden that promotes local biodiversity, including plants that attract pollinators.

The tour includes entry fees to parks and protected areas, which contribute to conservation efforts. Guests staying at Thaba Eco Hotel contribute through entry fees to the adjacent nature reserve. Camissa Tours, Coffeebean Routes, and Hannival's Travel and Tours also include visits to national parks and protected areas in their itineraries, with entry fees supporting local conservation efforts. The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, benefits from entry fees that contribute to its preservation and conservation.

Camissa Tours, Coffeebean Routes, and Hannival's Travel and Tours support local conservation projects through their tour activities. These efforts help fund the preservation and recovery of natural areas.

Camissa Tours and Coffeebean Routes provide educational information to customers on how to minimize their environmental impact. They employ local guides who are knowledgeable about the area and its natural features, enhancing the educational aspect of their tours.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Both Thaba Eco Hotel and Parker Cottage are locally owned accommodations, which supports the local economy. Parker Cottage aims to use its purchasing power to support businesses from less affluent areas and those owned by historically disadvantaged individuals. For example, Parker Cottage buys electrical goods from Transignal, a 100% Black-owned company, and sources baked goods from small local bakeries in Bo Kaap, Woodstock, and central Cape Town. Additionally, they purchase cheese and cold meat from Get Stuffed Enterprises, a small local deli, and soaps and shampoos from Ecoco, which employs previously unemployed women.

Parker Cottage also encourages guests to walk to local restaurants, such as Miller’s Thumb, a family-owned restaurant using locally caught fish. They support Camissa Tours, a small tour operator specializing in township tours, by recommending them to their guests.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

A significant percentage of the employees in these tours and accommodations are from the local community, especially guides and service staff. Parker Cottage takes the development of its staff seriously, offering above-minimum wages and permanent contracts to ensure job security. Staff members are encouraged to develop their skills and take on new responsibilities within the business. Parker Cottage sends each permanent staff member on at least one training course annually and guarantees above-inflation pay raises and a Christmas bonus each year.

All service providers ensure that staff are paid at least the minimum wage. Diversity strategies are generally promoted among the providers, nurturing equal employment without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.

The tour is LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all travellers.