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There is a growing group of people who make ethical choices about where they’re prepared to lay their suitcase. It’s an emerging style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible and South Africa has made the ethical travel list. 

South Africa has been named as one of the developing world’s Ten Best Ethical Travel Destinations in the 2008 Ethical Traveler Report.

This US-based organisation, aimed at promoting the idea of travel as a positive force in the world, publishes the list biannually. The organisation’s executive director Jeff Greenwald says the list is intended to “help travelers choose to use their tourism dollars to support human rights and the environment.”

Ethical Traveler does not rank their ethical destinations but rather compiles a Ten Best list in alphabetical order. South Africa features alongside countries such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Croatia and Namibia. The Ethical Traveler Ten Best list compares the commitments to environmental protection, social welfare and human rights records of developing countries using data sources such as the United Nations Development Programme as well as US academic institutions like Columbia University and Yale.

Image “South Africa received high marks for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as for species protection and vigilance against poaching,” said the report. However the country did receive some criticism for economic disparities and crime.  “The country has a huge rich/poor gap, and a high crime rate. Travelers should be mindful of the dangers, and stay informed about which areas to avoid,” said the report.

“We'd like to see people step off the beaten path,” says Jeff Greenwald.  “Many developing countries are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue.”

The Developing World's 10 Best Ethical Destinations for 2008

•    Argentina
•    Bolivia
•    Bulgaria
•    Chile
•    Costa Rica
•    Croatia
•    Estonia
•    Namibia
•    Nicaragua
•    South Africa

 

Sourced: www.sagoodnews.co.za
 
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