"The idea that collaboration between a broad range of stakeholders can help to improve the shared value of a destination is nothing new, but it is imperative we create a pathway for this transition on a broad scale," says Tendani Nelwamondo, chief sustainability officer at Tourvest Integrated Tourism Group.

"Our investments are targeted to deliver broad benefits across the entire value chain," says Nelwamondo.

According to TITG, key parts of this drive, to do good for the sector, society and the economy, include:

  • Tourvest accommodation
  • travel services
  • retail
  • destination management
  • financial services, and
  • adventure. 

TITG says that its initiatives highlight the positive ripple effect of tourism, fostering entrepreneurship and new business ventures while supporting local communities.

Expansive initiatives are in place to ensure these benefits are brought to life. Tourvest Travel Services (TTS), Tourvest Financial Services (TFS), Tourvest Accommodation (aha) and Singapore Airlines recently joined forces to support Nkosi's Haven by providing essential food items, ensuring nutritious meals for those in their care for the coming months, says TITG.

"This is an example of collaborative support, which remains one of the key pillars in our plan to extend benefits as far and widely as possible to those in need," says Nelwamondo.

TITG says that in another impactful initiative, Tourvest Adventure Division — Mankwe GAMETRACKERS, along with Sun City and other concessionaires, enhanced the Itekeng Care Center by: 

  • planting a vegetable garden
  • erecting a fence
  • painting, and
  • providing food, stationery, blankets, tables and chairs.

"We all know about the devastating impact of poverty and food insecurity, and so by combining our efforts with like-minded partners, we continue to make a difference within communities as we expand and build on this and other initiatives going forward," says Nelwamondo.

In another key initiative driven by TITG, the local Maologane Primary School received a borehole pump to the value of R10 000, ensuring running water after months of relying on water trucking, says TITG.

Tourvest Destination Management (TDM) recently spearheaded a collection drive for the H.O.M.A.C orphanage, creating a 'Bag of Hope' to bring comfort and joy to children facing adversity. These bags were filled with: 

  • backpacks
  • teddy bears
  • hairbrushes
  • storybooks
  • blankets
  • socks, and
  • beanie hats.

Meanwhile, in Nelspruit, Sense of Oceans (TDM) rallied support for Bettie's Haven, collecting non-perishable items like canned foods, rice, samp, mealie meal and sugar, improving the lives of women and children in need, says TITG.

"With the devastating impact of modern industrial activity on the environment an ongoing challenge, we are putting many programmes in place to drive environmental sustainability in areas where immediate results can be achieved," says Nelwamondo.

According to TITG, recently the Wild Horizons Cape Town Abseil team dedicated time to a mountain cleanup, focusing on hard-to-reach parts of the trails, contributing to environmental preservation. In another, Alpine Heath Resort participated in a neighbourhood clean-up campaign with the Northenberg, KwaZulu-Natal community, and other tourism entities, focusing on maintaining clean and attractive pathways for visitors and local wildlife.

In a Tourvest Retail Initiative, R67 000 has been donated to the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital along with the facility being painted. OR Tambo Staff donated food, soft toys and a new gas stove to the Thandabantu Community Care Centre in Springs, alongside a dining room revamp, says TITG.

Meanwhile, at the Kruger National Park, the Parks Shops team supported local education and childcare initiatives, providing meals and essentials to children and staff in various daycares, adds TITG.

"TITG's initiatives demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism in fostering community development, preserving cultural heritage and promoting environmental conservation. By partnering with local leaders and residents, TITG ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared and sustainable, creating a positive impact on communities across South Africa and beyond," concludes Nelwamondo.

For more information, visit www.tourvest.co.za. 

*Image courtesy of contributor