Economic Commitment

BAOBAB Travel is committed to:

Using suppliers, products and services that are the most ethical option available. This includes being prepared to pay reasonable additional premiums (if required) compared to other options available on the market. In e.g. South Africa this means that we actively promote Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa accredited properties and operators. In other destinations it means that we favour suppliers who e.g. provide economic benefits to local communities through raising community levies or investing in local community projects.
Using local suppliers and locally run hotels where available and avoiding at all costs foreign-owned hotel chains whose profits disappear out of the country. This ensures that the money we pay suppliers stays within the host country and benefits their economy.
Having a positive discrimination policy, and setting minimum criteria, that actively favour hotels and suppliers, which employ & train local people, buy their supplies locally and use local people for maintenance, refurbishment and development work. This helps ensure a �ripple' effect from the money introduced by tourism.
Employing local people directly wherever possible in our operations overseas e.g. local tour guides.
Supporting local tourism initiatives, where available, such as the Cultural Tourism Programme in Tanzania and township tours.
Encouraging our customers to purchase locally manufactured products rather than imported alternatives, and buy gifts and crafts from local shops and markets.