NaturCert announced the appointment of ETC-Africa as their South African partner. NaturCert operates through the international network of NaturCert representative offices and subsidiaries. Each network member is a separate and independent legal entity and operates locally in countries around the world. NaturCert's local partners provide NaturCert programs locally and perform marketing and communication activities in local business language.

In South Africa, NaturCert appointed ETC-Africa, a KwaZulu-Natal based environment and consultancy firm. ETC-Africa is committed to addressing the linkages between the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, economic and social issues.

Duncan Pritchard of ETC-Africa said "With the growing awareness around sustainable tourism in South Africa and the need for internationally recognized certification, we are proud to be associated with NaturCert and see this as a wonderful opportunity to launch South Africa's responsible tourism industry into the global arena."

green becomes central consumer issue of our time

Certification schemes are widespread and common throughout Europe and the Americas, yet still a relatively new concept in South Africa, especially internationally recognized certification. Consumer demand for sustainable and responsible tourism products is growing by the day. According to Greg Garden, marketing director for the Nedbank group, "Green is no longer just a first world affluent or educated consumer cause. Contrary to popular mythology, South Africans also see the importance of green issues. Green is moving in from the fringes and will become the central consumer issue of our time, which means we have entered the eco revolution."

Akis Laopodis, Managing Director of NaturCert said: "We are very happy to launch our partnership for South Africa with ETC'Africa. The local tourism industry is strongly going to benefit from the World Cup and the multiplication effect it is going to have on the economy. This creates an opportunity for offering NaturCert Certification to the local innovative hospitality & tourism companies who are forward-thinking and understand that sustainability is an important aspect of their operation."

For more information go to www.etc-africa.co.za