The latest edition of the renowned responsible tourism awards IMVELO, organised by the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, saw two leading resorts belonging to Sun International named winners in key categories and one of the group’s properties winning the overall award.
In an edition that was marked by particularly stiff competition with a record number of 183 entries received, the 2009 overall winner went to Sun International Zambia - The Falls Resort; Sun City Resort was granted ‘best single resource management programme - water management’ and The Zambian resort also took the ‘best social involvement programme’ group winner prize.
Examples of some of the many initiatives carried out by Sun International in Zambia include encouraging local individual farmers around nearby Livingstone to grow different fruits and vegetables and supply them to the resort. The farmers bring their produce to the hotel’s warehouse, where it is bought from them. The extra is sold to the surrounding lodges and individuals.
This programme has helped farmers acquire a sustainable livelihood by creating employment and a source of income. It currently supports more than 300 small-scale farmers.
Livingstone town also has many orphans and street children and combating the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and poverty has been another focus area. Sun International in Zambia has partnered with other community stakeholders to assist local orphanages with educational materials, foodstuffs, clothing and other everyday needs.