Imvelo Awards
​​About Imvelo

Imvelo means 'nature' in South Africa's Nguni languages.

The Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism were initiated to coincide with the World Summit on Sustainable Development that was held in South Africa in 2002. They recognise tourism and hospitality businesses that make a real, measurable and sustained contribution to Responsible Tourism.

To be made for the eleventh time this year, the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism have had a huge impact on tourism in South Africa, creating significant awareness of environmental management issues in the industry.

The awards are in line with the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162) that was developed by NDT in partnership with tourism stakeholders, the Responsible Tourism guidelines for the South African hospitality industry and the UN World Tourism Organisation's code of ethics. NDT has entered into a partnership with Fedhasa in hosting the Imvelo awards for Responsible Tourism, which also inculcates the practice and implementation of responsible tourism practices by tourism businesses. 

The main Imvelo partners for 2012 are Absa, the National Department of Tourism, the Department of Water Affairs, Eskom, the Industrial Development Corporation and Don't Waste Services.

About FEDHASA

The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) represents the interests of the hospitality industry in South Africa. Its members include hotels, restaurants, conference centres, caterers, self-catering accommodation, B&B's, guesthouses, clubs, taverns, shebeens and service providers to the hospitality industry.

FEDHASA is the custodian of the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism.

To find out more about FEDHASA, please visit their website at www.fedhasa.co.za

What is Responsible Tourism?

Responsible Tourism
  • generates economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry
  • involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
  • makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage to the maintenance of the world's diversity
  • provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
  • minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts, and
  • is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Contact us
FEDHASA
Telephone: +27 (0) 861 333 4272
E-mail: info@fedhasa.co.za

Martin van Niekerk
Junxion Communications
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 804 8812
E-mail: martin@junxionpr.co.za

Postal address: Box 14176, Hatfield, 0028

Physical address: 32 Onida Avenue, Val de Grace, Pretoria

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