Sustainability in Tourism for Development
The case of Eco Adventures Limited
Eco Adventures Ltd. has undergone a significant transformation from just being a profit-oriented business in the tourism industry to a sustainable business with a social mission. This shift indicates that the company is not solely focused on generating revenue but is also concerned with the environmental and social impact of its operations.
This transition includes measures such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities. Furthermore, the company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility demonstrates that it is possible to operate a successful tourism business while also prioritizing sustainability and social impact.
Elizabeth Safari – MD & Sustainability Coordinator - Eco Adventures affirms that “Sustainability is the future, the ONLY future”.
The company’s sustainability commitment: “Embracing sustainability for transformative tourism with positive impacts”.
The mission statement of the company: “Eco-adventures is an eco-ethical business in tourism with a social mission, committed to the delivery of authentic, sustainable & transformative travel experiences for the benefit of all.
This is achieved by our commitment to linking the success of the business with the well-being of the local communities and the preservation of the environment at each destination.
At each of our destinations, we responsibly engage with the local communities with the purpose of improving their well-being. Education is at the heart of our community support.
It is important to us, that this support is Sustainable and prepares the young person to cope with and assist their community with the inevitable changes they are experiencing in their culture.
Together with other volunteers here and in Kenya we work in co-operation With both local and overseas friends to bring hope to children and families from these remote communities. We invite you to share in this hope.
The Sustainability Journey
Eco Adventures Limited attained its first sustainability certification in 2016. This is when they achieved partner level recognition from TraveLife; a sustainable tourism certification scheme for tour operators and travel agents. With continuous and consistent commitment to integrate responsible tourism practices in their internal and external management/operations, the company managed to attain the Travelife Certified level recognition in 2020.
This recognition for excellence in sustainability brought a change in the company’s ethos from being a business in tourism to an eco-ethical business in tourism with a social mission.
To show their commitment to sustainable tourism, the company implements a sustainability policy commitment which clearly communicates their choice to be sustainable practitioners. In 2019, the company chose SDG 13 which focuses on Climate action as one of the sustainable development goals that they would impact on. As a result, we have been actively participating in the off-grid solar movement that is changing the world with D.Light Kenya (https://www.dlight.com/products/) through the local purchase and donation of simple affordable and sustainable solar lighting products ( d.light S30 Family Light & d.light S3 Learners Light) to rural communities in South Eastern Kenya.
Areas of Impact
The company is also committed to embracing sustainability for transformative tourism with positive impacts. This has transformed their operations including their approach in the selection of service providers.
- The company has nurtured a culture of working only with tourism accommodations that have a proven record of implementing sustainable practices.
- When it comes to transport, the company clearly states its requirements based on its sustainability policy which shows a preference for sustainable transport options. The transport options are influenced by the number of clients and the distance covered. The options range from short-haul flights, Shuttle buses, Safari Vans & Safari Land Cruisers.
- The company’s procurement policy when it comes to office stationery and gift bags among other supplies endeavors to eliminate the use of single-use products to more sustainable products.
- The company also promotes local enterprises by buying products made by the local communities in Kenya including gifts/souvenirs.
Guides
The guides at Eco Adventures have been engaged in the company’s sustainability journey. The company shows initiative in helping its guides in upskilling by paying for training on sustainable tourism and membership subscriptions with relevant associations such as the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA). During the Travelife reporting engagement, the company engaged 5 of its guides in sustainable tourism training With Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda (STTA). This was to help guides to be in tune with the current trends of sustainable tourism and they can be able to demonstrate it in their line of work.
In-house mindset change
Engagement in sustainability has changed how the company operates, and how the staff interacts with each other from the office to their daily social life. The employees are careful about handling waste, and they have been assigned the responsibility of managing the company's sustainability strategy to assist the company in achieving its objectives.
Training and education
In 2019, the company engaged in about 4 months of rigorous sustainability training with Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda on different sustainability themes customized to the company’s needs. At completion, a certificate was issued to the company and to each of its staff member who participated in the training. The themes that were covered are: Introduction to Sustainable Tourism, Vision and Commitment, Business Growth, Return on investment, Risk Management, Impact and Partnerships, Performance measurement, Communication and Partnerships. As a result of the training, the company has managed to sign a climate emergency declaration by the tourism businesses known as “Tourism Declares Climate Emergency”.
Clients
Sustainability has impacted the experience that clients get when they choose Eco-adventures. The company gives its clients a chance to support their efforts in making the travel experience more memorable.
Eco Adventures together with one of its agents came up with a charity project called MaaChild which provides sustainable secondary educational support for school-going kids in rural southern Kenya.
Ever since the project’s inception in 2017, there have been numerous successes:
- In 2018, a total of 39 students’ bursaries were disbursed. 14 graduates and 20 primary school kids enrolled in sleeping accommodation.
- In 2019 there were a total of 22 graduates from their 4th cohort and 4 students were supported.
- In 2020 more than 50 students were in a thriving kindergarten school.
- In 2022 & 2023 a donation of an assortment of goods worth about Kshs 250,000 was made to support school-going kids and the schools.
- In 2022 & 2023 a donation of an assortment of goods worth about Kshs 250,000 was made to support school-going kids and the schools.
Inclusivity
The company offers all-inclusive customized tours with specific objectives aimed at strengthening group bonds through adventurous activities and accommodates people with special needs. Some of the activities include cultural challenges. This is participation in activities that benefit the local community, such as conservation, commerce, health, and education, as well as community challenges allow visitors to share knowledge and skills with the local community.
For clients with special needs, the company ensures their stay is comfortable and creates a memorable experience including customization of the tour vehicle’s interiors as well as selection of accommodation facilities with amenities such as Ramps, and accessible restrooms among others.
Corporate Social Partnerships
As part of its Corporate social engagements , the company has a partnership with Children’s Homes where we supply educational materials for the students and financial contributions for solar water heating and ceramic floor tiling.
Some of the homes they engage with include Mama Zipporah’s Huruma Children’s Home in Ngong, Kajiado County and Eating Stones Children Home in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.