Glamping Adventures head awarded for fostering inclusive…

Johannesburg – Gugu Sithole, CEO of Glamping Adventures was recognized with two awards for leading her organisation with conservation strategies that turn the focus on host rural communities within tourism attractions.

Under Sithole, Glamping Adventures, a tourism company that offers a cocktail of travel products has positioned itself as a company that focuses on economic inclusion. For this, Sithole received the Environmental Education and Women in Conservation Kudu Awards from South African National Parks (SanParks)

“I am thrilled to receive these awards on behalf of the work done by Glamping Adventures and Glamping Adventures Foundation,” said Sithole after receiving the accolades at a ceremony held in Johannesburg.

The coveted conservation Kudu Awards made a return this year following a 2 year hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. SanParks, recognized external and internal stakeholders whose work is aligned to their biodiversity and Conservation focus.

Glamping Adventures uses a raft of strategies to ensure rural communities inclusion.

“We train young people and women to raise awareness on conservation and climate change through film storytelling, film screenings and other artistic expressions,” added Sithole.

The rural communities benefiting from this work include the Drakensberg, Coffee Bay, Phuthaditjaba and the Kalahari.

“It is all hinged on economic inclusion. This is why we go beyond just awareness. We contribute in these communities with sustainable programs such as vegetable gardens and tree planting.”

Glamping Adventures is also supporting rural artistes to reach external markets through a virtual market.

Sithole said most rural artistes rely on tourists to earn a living, hence the need to ensure that they get access to markets.