Fair Trade Tourism is a not-for-profit brand that aims to promote fair, participatory, and sustainable tourism. They provide a networking platform, business support, and certification to the tourism sector, ensuring that their six principles of fair trade and responsible tourism are embedded in their day-to-day operations. From micro enterprises to large tour operators, Fair Trade Tourism works with the entire tourism value chain, ensuring that the people and places involved in creating rewarding travel experiences benefit from them. They strive to empower communities to protect their culture, land, and resources, while promoting human rights, gender equality, and environmental conservation.

Established in 2001 as a project under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Fair Trade Tourism became an independent entity in 2004. Their certification standard was among the first in the world to be officially recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, demonstrating their commitment to best practices in sustainable tourism.

Under the leadership of General Manager Lisa Scriven, Fair Trade Tourism has been instrumental in promoting sustainable tourism certification and capacity building. They are affiliated with organizations like Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency and the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, furthering their dedication to climate action and sustainable consumption and production.

As the official Local Code Representative for The Code in South Africa, Fair Trade Tourism also works to protect children from commercial sexual exploitation in travel and tourism, encouraging businesses to implement the six criteria of The Code.

With a board of directors comprising industry experts, Fair Trade Tourism brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience in tourism development.

Based in South Africa, Fair Trade Tourism is a not-for-profit brand committed to creating a better and more responsible tourism industry for all.