Stormsriver Adventures was among the first activity companies to receive accreditation from Fair Trade Tourism in 2003. Even after 20 years, the organization still adheres to the principles and values of responsible tourism. Fair Trade in Tourism (FTT) is a non-profit organization that promotes responsible tourism practices in Africa. By providing membership and certification programs, FTT helps tourism businesses to operate sustainably and raises awareness about responsible tourism in Africa.
After undergoing an extensive audit with Fair Trade Tourism, Anneline Wyatt, the Managing Director of Stormsriver Adventures, explains that the company’s ethos has always been to promote environmental education, conservation, and eco-adventure forest tours while uplifting the surrounding community. “We have just received our Fair-Trade Tourism re-accreditation, achieving an overall performance of 94% for mandatory criteria and 80% for general criteria. We are proud to be one of the longest-standing Fair Trade accredited adventure companies in South Africa since 2003. The audit is conducted by an independent auditor and is valid for 3 years.”
Ms. Liesl Hattingh the Independent Auditor’s impression was that Stormsriver River Adventures is a pioneer amongst Responsible Tourism companies “…Stormsriver Adventures remain deeply committed to their community, their products, and sustainable principles and practices. The business is clearly closely aligned with the needs of the community that part-owns it and from where most employees are sourced, and highly respectful of the value of the natural environment which provides the basis for its unique product(s).
After so many years of refining policies and practices, the biggest challenges are often keeping these relevant to changing operational realities, as well as fresh in the minds and hands of employees, and to deepen the practice around issues that are harder to solve.”
For over 27 years, Stormsriver Adventures has been leading the charge in Responsible and Sustainable Tourism. Their approach centers around three key elements: economic, social, and environmental sustainability. As CEO Ashley Wentworth aptly puts it, “Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
Stormsriver Adventures is not just a buzzword, but a brand that offers travelers an unforgettable experience. They are the creators of the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, which is a unique and one-of-a-kind adventure. In addition to this, their guided hikes in the Plaatbos Nature Reserve and the world-renowned Tsitsikamma Woodcutters Journey are equally unparalleled.
