In a transformative step for Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector, Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is set to launch FTT-Engaged, an innovative new verification pathway designed to make responsible tourism more accessible to businesses across the continent. Beginning 17 March 2025, this initiative offers an independent verification for businesses that have embarked on their responsible tourism journey, reinforcing their commitment to fair trade principles.
Recognizing the challenges that many businesses face in achieving full certification, FTT-Engaged provides a structured and supportive entry point. It incorporates approximately one-third of the full Fair Trade Tourism Certification requirements, making it a more achievable first step for businesses committed to ethical and sustainable operations. This new approach responds to the urgent need to scale responsible tourism across Africa while aligning with the increasing global demand for independently verified sustainability claims.
A Stepping Stone to Full Certification
FTT-Engaged is a “step-in” approach to the Fair Trade Tourism Certification journey. It provides a clear, structured pathway into sustainability certification that prioritizes tangible sustainability practices over complex management systems, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can participate in responsible tourism.
Businesses pursuing FTT-Engaged will be audited against 54 key criteria, covering essential areas such as:
✅ Commitment & communication
✅ Fair wages & ethical working conditions
✅ Local procurement & support for social development
✅ Celebration of culture & heritage
✅ Responsible environmental management
✅ Positive impact on nature
To achieve FTT-Engaged status, businesses must meet at least 80% of the criteria, verified through an independent remote audit every two years. This innovative approach reduces financial and logistical barriers by eliminating travel costs for auditors while minimizing transport-related carbon emissions.
Businesses earning the FTT-Engaged recognition will receive official verification of their commitment to responsible tourism. For those ready to take the next step, FTT-Engaged provides a seamless pathway toward full Fair Trade Tourism Certification, a globally recognized credential endorsed by the Travalyst certifications initiative, with related benefits such as differentiation on major market access and booking platforms that feature sustainable tourism certification, such as Booking.com, Google Travel, EcoTrans and many others.
“Responsible tourism is no longer a niche market—it’s a global expectation. With FTT-Engaged, we are making sustainability verification more inclusive and attainable, allowing businesses across Africa to showcase their ethical practices to conscious travellers worldwide,” said Lisa Scriven, GM at Fair Trade Tourism. As the demand for sustainable and ethical travel experiences grows, FTT-Engaged is set to drive meaningful change in the African tourism industry—empowering businesses, benefiting local communities, and safeguarding the environment.
For more information, visit www.fairtradetourism.org (click Login in the banner at the top of this page to register and start your journey), or contact FTT at communications@fairtradetourism.org.
In a transformative step for Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector, Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is set to launch FTT-Engaged, an innovative new verification pathway designed to make responsible tourism more accessible to businesses across the continent. Beginning 17 March 2025, this initiative offers an independent verification for businesses that have embarked on their responsible tourism journey, reinforcing their commitment to fair trade principles.
Recognizing the challenges that many businesses face in achieving full certification, FTT-Engaged provides a structured and supportive entry point. It incorporates approximately one-third of the full Fair Trade Tourism Certification requirements, making it a more achievable first step for businesses committed to ethical and sustainable operations. This new approach responds to the urgent need to scale responsible tourism across Africa while aligning with the increasing global demand for independently verified sustainability claims.
A Stepping Stone to Full Certification
FTT-Engaged is a “step-in” approach to the Fair Trade Tourism Certification journey. It provides a clear, structured pathway into sustainability certification that prioritizes tangible sustainability practices over complex management systems, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can participate in responsible tourism.
Businesses pursuing FTT-Engaged will be audited against 54 key criteria, covering essential areas such as:
✅ Commitment & communication
✅ Fair wages & ethical working conditions
✅ Local procurement & support for social development
✅ Celebration of culture & heritage
✅ Responsible environmental management
✅ Positive impact on nature
To achieve FTT-Engaged status, businesses must meet at least 80% of the criteria, verified through an independent remote audit every two years. This innovative approach reduces financial and logistical barriers by eliminating travel costs for auditors while minimizing transport-related carbon emissions.
Businesses earning the FTT-Engaged recognition will receive official verification of their commitment to responsible tourism. For those ready to take the next step, FTT-Engaged provides a seamless pathway toward full Fair Trade Tourism Certification, a globally recognized credential endorsed by the Travalyst certifications initiative, with related benefits such as differentiation on major market access and booking platforms that feature sustainable tourism certification, such as Booking.com, Google Travel, EcoTrans and many others.
“Responsible tourism is no longer a niche market—it’s a global expectation. With FTT-Engaged, we are making sustainability verification more inclusive and attainable, allowing businesses across Africa to showcase their ethical practices to conscious travellers worldwide,” said Lisa Scriven, GM at Fair Trade Tourism. As the demand for sustainable and ethical travel experiences grows, FTT-Engaged is set to drive meaningful change in the African tourism industry—empowering businesses, benefiting local communities, and safeguarding the environment.
For more information, visit www.fairtradetourism.org (click Login in the banner at the top of this page to register and start your journey), or contact FTT at communications@fairtradetourism.org.