A lot of people wonder about the impact of tourism and the footprint that we worldly travelers leave behind. Indeed among my Christmas presents was one from my very caring aunty who offset my carbon emissions for my trip to Africa next year. I can travel guilt free (well almost!). Tourism has had a big impact on the world; good, bad and ungly but I want to share a story that made me smile about the good impact of tourism.

I spent seven months in South Africa. One of my best friends in South Africa, Sabelo is an amazing artist and clothing designer. He is also among the poorest of South Africa’s poor. He is unemployed and has absolutely no money and no outlet to sell any paintings. Last year the brand manager for Jay Jays clothing travelled to South Africa and did a tour into his community. Sabelo lives in the Valley of a Thousand Hills; a beautiful rural area that is characterized by rich and traditional Zulu culture. The brand manager for Jay Jays was so captured by Sabelo’s work and story that she commissioned him to design an ethical range of tshirts to sell through Jay Jays stores in Australia. From this chance meeting Sabelo had his work displayed on the international arena and also received more money than he has ever had in his life! Amazing!

Tourism exposes people in rural communities to opportunities because they can form connections outside of their immediate surroundings. It also brings income and employment.

Did you know that more money moves from rich to poor countries via tourism than government aid. Food for thought….

• impact
• tourism
• South Africa
• Zulu