The extension of fair trade to tourism offers significant potential for sustainable development by poorer countries in the Southern hemisphere. For most developing countries tourism is one of the most important export sectors and the key source of foreign exchange. A sustainable tourism sector will contribute towards economic growth, generate foreign currency earnings and income and create employment.

Within the framework of the economic development cooperation the SECO provided support for the South African non-profit organisation Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa in the development of accredited fair trade travel packages. In collaboration with partners from the areas of tourism and fair trade the key elements of comprehensive travel packages received accreditation through the “Fair Trade Tourism” seal of approval as part of a pilot project. The tour operators Imagine and Kuoni are today launching the world’s first package offerings on the Swiss market.

Further joint efforts will be needed before a worldwide applicable fair trade label can be developed in the tourism area and establish itself in the market. In future the SECO will therefore remain committed to extending fair trade within the area of tourism.

South Africa is one of the key countries for the economic development cooperation of the SECO.

Fair trade is now being extended to tourism