Responsible tourism mobile app now available to green travellers

It’s here – the Apple Green Globe App – and Maropeng is among South Africa’s hottest green tourist attractions looking to benefit from this recently launched app.

“As one of only eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, sustainability has always been a top priority at Maropeng,” says Managing Director Tony Rubin. “Now, local and international travellers looking for sustainable hotels, conference centres, tour experiences and wedding options will be able to track down accommodation that has the highest green credentials. This is great news for destinations like Maropeng that support responsible tourism.”

The Green Globe App, which is available as a free download at the Apple App Store under the “travel” category, is the only mobile application for Apple iPads, iPhones and iPods that allows travellers to instantly search for green destinations and venues.

It has been launched through an exclusive partnership between Heritage, Africa’s top environmental certification brand, and Green Globe Certification, which provides certification and other services in 83 countries.

“The app will also benefit conference organisers in that it can quickly locate facilities for green meetings,” comments Rubin. “Having all the necessary conferencing facilities is one thing. Being able to provide guests and delegates with a unique and memorable experience at a place which advocates responsible tourism is something very few venues are able to do.”

Maropeng has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint from careful recycling and consistently making sure the area is waste-free, to water conservation technology and training staff in the ways of being eco-friendly. It also supports all official environment awareness initiatives on the global calendar. Arbor Day, World Wetlands Day, and National Water Week are just a few of the initiatives it has supported this year.

The new green mobile app also offers a search function for couples looking to plan a wedding at properties that give back to their local communities, something Maropeng supports wholeheartedly.

“Together with the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Management Authority and the Gauteng West District of the Gauteng Department of Education, Maropeng was very excited to be involved in a recent project to expose rural learners to the scientific story of human origin. Over 1 000 learners from 10 poor rural schools were given the opportunity to visit the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng and it was a great success,” comments Rubin.

Another exciting Green Globe App function is that it is able to deliver photos and descriptions of Heritage and Green Globe certified businesses, with direct links to bookings, views on Google Earth and YouTube videos, all part of this unique worldwide marketing platform.

“We are very excited that through this app we will be able to position ourselves internationally as a sustainable venue of choice,” concludes Rubin.

Facilities at Maropeng include an award-winning visitor centre, a 24-bedroom, four-star hotel, conference facilities for smaller niche corporate groups, an outdoor amphitheatre housing up to 10 000 people, budget accommodation at the Hominid House, and four restaurants.