Travellers with a conscience recommend SA

South Africa has been recommended to global travellers as one of the most ethical countries in the developing world. The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations are chosen by Ethical Traveler, a project of the California based non-profit Earth Island Institute. The organisation released a report based on a study of developing countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. The report focuses on those countries that are working hard to protect human rights, build social welfare, and preserve the environment. 

South Africa made the list along with African countries Namibia, Ghana and the Seychelles. Ethical Traveler said “We believe this bodes well for the future of these nations and, hopefully, for the African continent.”

While crime and the big rich/poor gap in South Africa were mentioned in the report as areas of concern, the country received high marks for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, and for sustainable coastal development and environmental management.

South Africa was also ranked second, behind Lithuania, for Freedom of the Press in the ‘Human Rights’ category.

The Seychelles were praised as a world leader in sustainable tourism, and Ghana was lauded for “an impressive commitment to genuine democracy, as well as a growing culture of sustainability, environmental consciousness and grassroots efforts towards responsibly improving Ghana for Ghanaians and tourists alike.”

The African countries were joined in the top 10 by European countries Poland and Lithuania, and South American countries Argentina, Belize, Chile and Suriname.

According to the report the ethical travel industry is becoming increasingly important, and entails awareness among travellers of their impact and responsibilities as they explore the world.

The report added that the top 10 is not only about scoring well in the three categories. The top countries also boast wonderful opportunities for the traveller, “opportunities to experience nature at its most pristine, and to interact with local people and cultures in a meaningful, mutually enlightening way.”

For more information, visit the Ethical Traveler website.

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