Ecolabelling, certification and accreditation : elements of a possible model for the ecotourism industry in southern and eastern Africa

[摘要] The paper examines the evolution of ecolabelling/certification in tourism in thecontext of the evolution of the concepts of sustainable development and tourism,certification's definitions, motivations, international practices and challenges, andfocuses on its intended function as a voluntary market mechanism. Parallels are drawnwith the African experience and consideration is given to the particular problems ofcertification in Africa as a member of the Third World. Evidence is examined,including a local tourist survey that points to certification's ineffectiveness as a meansto influence consumer choice, at least in its current form as a voluntary, selfregulatorytool. An attempt is also made to disprove its effectiveness as a source ofcompetitive advantage for tourism companies by considering it within the frameworkof competitive strategy theory. It is concluded that certification is a poor marketmechanism. Consequently, elements of a model for the effective use of ecolabellingas a tool in a suite of sustainability tools in tourism in Africa, are proposed.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University