Becoming a Sustainable Tour Operator: Aligning with the United Nations’ SDG Goals

On October 17, 2024, Nomad Africa was honored with Kenya's Eco-Tourism Award, a recognition of its dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. But what does it take to become a truly sustainable tour operator? At the heart of sustainable tourism lies a commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. These goals are designed to tackle global challenges—from poverty and inequality to climate change, environmental protection, and justice—to build a more sustainable, inclusive world by 2030.

Let’s explore how Nomad Africa is leading the way by aligning its travel experiences with these impactful goals.

1. Social and Economic Empowerment

• Gender Equality (SDG 5): As a women-led organisation, we’re committed to increasing women’s participation in travel by designing inclusive travel itineraries. Moreover, 30% of our women are in senior leadership roles hence significantly promoting diversity and inclusion in the tourism sector. We fully implement a gender and diversity policy that ensures equal opportunities within the tourism sector and a social policy that creates a safe and supportive space for our team to excel. 

• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Our policies promote equitable treatment and non-discrimination for all staff, offering fair access to growth opportunities. Embracing technology and innovation, we ensure diverse and enriching experiences for both staff and travellers.
  
• Reduced Inequality (SDG 10): By sharing the stories of Indigenous populations and minority groups, we support conservation efforts and cultural preservation, amplifying voices that help preserve both natural and cultural heritage. Through our regular sustainability column in Nomad magazine, we raise awareness and foster a culture of social responsibility among travellers. Our partners are also encouraged to educate and train local communities, enhancing cross-cultural learning and preserving indigenous knowledge.
  

2. Environmental Stewardship

• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): We're using electric bikes, powered by green energy, to distribute some of our magazines and aim to expand this sustainable practice to all our distribution efforts. This initiative reflects our commitment to reducing emissions and embracing clean energy solutions within our operations.

• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Our approach to social innovation puts community first. Through member profiles on our website’s community page, the 'Reward as You Travel' membership program enables club members to unlock exclusive travel perks and benefits as they journey with NTC and its partners.

• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Our magazines are published on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, promoting forest conservation and ensuring our readers enjoy an eco-friendly publication. To ensure a responsible supply chain we implement a checklist with assessment criteria with requires partners to incorporate resource efficiency practices in their operations.
  
• Climate Action (SDG 13): We have begun offering carbon-neutral trips that allow clients to offset their entire travel carbon footprint through Stand for Trees. Earlier this year, we offset our emissions by compensating for 25 tons of carbon from 2023. These initiatives are part of our broader climate strategy, under which we are transparent about sustainability progress and outcomes.

• Life on Land (SDG 15): Through partnerships with organizations like Stand for Trees, we actively support biodiversity conservation and community development. By contributing to initiatives like the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project, we’re helping to protect vital ecosystems while empowering local communities to thrive alongside these conservation efforts

3. Governance and Partnerships

• Ethics and Compliance (SDG 17): We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics and compliance, operating responsibly and per industry laws. Partnerships with nonprofits, industry experts, and local communities strengthen our commitment to a sustainable tourism sector.

Through each initiative, Nomad Africa continues to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting our unwavering commitment to sustainable, eco-conscious tourism that empowers communities and safeguards the environment. Stay connected with our mission—see how we're making strides toward sustainable tourism and supporting communities with our latest updates.