Coastal Programmes & Sustainable Tourism
Tourism is one of the mainstays of the South African economy, contributing millions of rands to the GDP and creating countless jobs
Sustainable Tourism requires sound environmental management to ensure sustainable use of resources such as water and power, as well as limiting the impact on habitats and marine wildlife.
Sustainable Tourism practices
WESSA – through the world renowned Blue Flag and Green Key initiatives, and our own Green Coast standard – works with local communities, municipalities and the hosptiality industry to encourage coastal stewardship and sustainable tourism practices.
One of the major benefits of these programmes is that they also help provide solutions to the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Additionally, Blue Flag and Green Key promotes universal access for differently-abled persons.
Because tourism is labour intensive, it provides a large variety of job opportunities. From cleaning and kitchen staff to tour guides and top level management – opportunties abound. In addition, tourism also benefits suppliers of locally sourced produce.
By involving local communities, we have the means to alleviate poverty and inequality, enabling all sectors of the population to benefit.
Making sustainable tourism work
through our coastal programmes
![blue-flag-flag](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/blue-flag-flag.jpg)
Blue Flag
Encouraging world class standards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators
![green-coast Green coast](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-coast-1.jpg)
Green Coast
Providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and involvement of the local community in coastal stewardship.
![green-key Eco-friendly hotel](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-key.jpg)
Green Key
Unlocking sustainability in the tourism industry and promoting eco-friendly establishments.
![sandcastles child building sandcastles](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sandcastles.jpg)
ChildSafe Beaches
Highlighting some of the dangers and offering tips to parents and other beach goers to help safeguard children.
Use the map below to locate Green Coast eco-tourism areas and Blue Flag beaches, marinas and tourism operators
NOTE: Water quality results are correct on date of testing.
Thereafter, they may fluctuate and we cannot guarantee water quality consistency.
![blue-flag-logo Blue Flag logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/blue-flag-logo-2.jpg)
![green-coast-logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-coast-logo.jpg)
![fee](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/fee.jpg)
![green-key-logo Green key logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/green-key-logo.jpg)
![childsafe-logo childsafe logo](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/childsafe-logo.jpg)