Backpacker & Adventure Conference & Expo

The tea (smoke) breaks around the fire were very popular
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“Come and see our worms,” was the greeting from Toni Shina and Lee Harris, co-owners of South Africa’s original backpacker. They were referring to their latest ‘greening’ initiative, Can-O-Worms composting of the Backpacker kitchen waste. No wonder they were awarded the annual Hoscar in 2006 for the best backpacker in Africa, judged by 550,000 travellers.

That’s how I came to be invited to the Backpacker & Adventure Conference & Expo, held on June 14 and 15, at Monkey Valley in Noordhoek.

BSA at Monkey Valley in Noordhoek

Backpacker & Adventure Conference & Expo
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Tourism is being hailed as the ‘new’ gold of the South African economy by industry professionals bringing in almost double the value of the gold industry. We’re talking billions here – approximately R66.3 billion rands coming from international and domestic tourism initiatives during 2006. Globally, tourism grew by 4.5% with SA tourism growing by a whopping 14%.

The theme of the conference was ‘Shining up our Industry’, with the byline Think Global, Act Local. With 2010 and the Soccer World Cup around the corner Backpacker South Africa (BSA) want to be in a position to take advantage of global attention and ‘shine’.

What a beautiful venue, overlooking Long Beach
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With increasing numbers of travellers being environmentally and socially aware and specifically choosing service providers that are proven to meet these criteria, the emphasis of the conference was on greening initiatives.

I couldn’t attend the first day of the conference and missed a talk entitled Preparing for 2010, presented by Gary Bailey. Feedback on the following day was that delegates now see the FIFA World Cup in a more positive light.

After lunch there was a talk on web technology followed by breakout sessions focussing on international marketing and shining up your hostel. Speed Dating had some of the delegates in a spin until they realised that it was a networking task. There was plenty of opportunity for delegates to network in the tranquil surroundings of Monkey Valley as well as the Afri-glam party on the final evening.

Snug and warm in the convention hall
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After supper they had the option of viewing Inconvenient Truth or The Secret, but many continued to network in the bar.

I joined them on the second day when the programme covered environmental and social issues. Pathways to a sustainable tourism industry was presented by Gareth Haysom www.sustainabilityinstitute.net

Gareth stressed that we have reached an ‘ecological threshold point,’ but thankfully people and governments are becoming more ecologically conscious. Never in our history has there been such an awareness, even on the covers of magazines such as Vanity Fair.

Toni, Di and Lisa - the organisers
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According to his stats 20% of the worlds’ richest population contribute 86% of the worlds’ consumption expenditure, as opposed to the world’ poorest 20% which contribute 1.3%. He gave more statistics of food, energy and others - 45% of the worlds’ fish stocks go to the rich as opposed to 5% to the poor. 50% of the energy goes to the rich while only 4% goes to the poor.

He showed a graphic picture of a polar bear shaving under a bright sun surrounded by snow. Deforestation is another critical problem with 50% of the original forests being cleared that once covered the earth - 36 million acres are destroyed each year. And they are cleared for hamburgers, so that cattle can graze. He said that it takes 4 300 gallons of water to produce one hamburger.

The Can-o-Worms lady
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Water will become the next oil. Desertification and the extraction of water threatens 1 billion people in more than 110 countries. Added to this is the loss of biodiversity with 11 000 species of animals and plants lost.

Next on the agenda was Dave Martin, who has spent much time backpacking as well as being active in the townships, now runs Bulungula Lodge on the Wild Coast. He gave a presentation on practical tips for greening by presenting both positive and negative aspects of sustainable rural development at his (Fair Trade accredited) lodge.

The setting for the party
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Robin Thomson, of Green Elephant in Observatory, then talked about his goal to make the backpackers visit African, memorable and environmentally sustainable. His establishment uses solar water heating, grey water toilets, pool water recycling and has solid waste recycling programmes, saving R1 500 per month. Despite this, at a meeting with his staff one day he was disappointed to find that they haven’t taken these initiatives home with them - that’s his next challenge. Robin’s message is to educate, offset your environmental impact and live your message. He suggested that BSA employ a ‘greening’ person.

The organisers at the Afri-glam party
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One of the many exciting prizes was a Can-o-Worms and after a number of delegates ordered their own compost-making tool they were visited by the ‘worm lady’ Mary. For only R850, these amazing worms are capable of producing one ton of compost per month, or 5kg per day, see www.fullcycle.co.za

Di Thomas of Day Trippers, and one of the convenors then spoke about the Tourism and Community Development Trust, formed in 1994. With more and more visitors demanding to know about our communities TCDT was formed with funding from two sources - backpackers and the balance from the tourism industry - companies like Hylton Ross, Day Trippers and Africa My Bra.

To date TCDT has raised R1 796,899 which has gone to initiatives like Baphumelele Creche in Khayelitsha, Rosie’s Soup Kitchen and a respite care centre for HIV infected children. The next venture is Blomvlei Primary School in Hanover Park in order to cut down on gangsterism. This mega-project will cost R3 million and will incorporate a library, multi-purpose hall, sport field and urban greening area.

Delegates were shown many ways that they can outsource, thereby creating small businesses – vegetable and fruit growers, laundry, bakery, transport, linen manufacture, micro breweries, furniture, bio-fuel and more. This is where the internet and networking is so important.

Moola Magic was then launched - a loyalty discount scheme where travellers don’t pay the full price, visit www.moolamagic.co.za

In keeping with the ‘greening’ theme of the conference: R3 000 was collected from delegates to offset travel and balance the environmental footprint of their transport to the conference – including a R50 donation from this journalist to purchase a tree. These funds will go to planting trees in Blomvlei Primary School.

All printing was on triple green paper, made from 60% sugarcane, chlorine free and incorporating fibre from sustainable and internationally certified afforestation.

Bottled water was discouraged and filtered water was available on tap.

It was a mind-boggling experience and an initiative that others involved in tourism should learn from.