Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) announced that The Vineyard Hotel has joined its responsible and sustainable tourism family.
An urban oasis situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the hotel was once home to Lady Anne Barnard and now offers guests a selection of 207 contemporary rooms.
This deluxe property is able to offer guests all the comforts of home, while also providing the luxury touches expected by the modern traveller, including three restaurants, two swimming pools, a fitness centre and Angsana Spa.
The Vineyard Hotel made the commitment to “living green” in 2004 and has subsequently implemented sustainable initiatives through all aspects of the hotel’s operations. These initiatives include installing 20 kw of solar panels, which have generated 39.4mWh power since being installed, and an award-winning recycling program which has resulted in an average of 97% of all waste being recycled per month.
“As sustainability is such an integral part of the hotel’s operations, we are thrilled to join a team of like-minded establishments under the internationally recognized Fair Trade Tourism banner. Whether it is the installation of 6500 LED efficient lamps throughout the hotel and conference centre or using energy efficient heat pumps to heat our water – this certification is just another step in our journey to becoming a more environmentally conscious property,” says Chris Van Zyl, Group Environmental Manager and Horticulturist for the Vineyard Hotel.
FTT is an NGO that operates the world’s first and only Fair Trade Tourism certification programme.
The NGO with the bold pay-off line – “The Mark of a Good Holiday” – continues to grow its programme beyond South Africa. The
FTT-certification programme is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.
Having passed the assessment criteria of Fair Trade Tourism with flying colours, Fair Trade Tourism is thrilled to welcome the Vineyard Hotel to its elite group of hospitality and tourism operators and to be growing its presence in the Western Cape.
Jane Edge, Acting General Manager of FTT says, “We are delighted to welcome the Vineyard to Fair Trade Tourism and are very pleased to report that the hotel passed Fair Trade Label’s stringent Flo-Cert audit process with ease. We look forward to working together with our new FTT client to promote best practice in responsible tourism.”
