"Eco" doesn’t always mean ethical. Here’s how to tell when a hotel or tour is faking sustainability.
♻️ Travel smarter with this greenwashing guide.
#GreenwashingExposed #SustainableTravelAfrica #KnowBetterDoBetter #TUVAConsciousExplorer
Greenwashing in African Tourism: How to Spot the Real from the Fake
“Eco-friendly.” “Sustainable.” “Locally inspired.” These terms are thrown around a lot in African tourism — but are they true? Here’s how to see through the green paint.
Greenwashing Red Flags:
🌱 Vague claims with no specifics (e.g. “we care for the planet”)
💡 Solar-powered... but still wasting water and overbuilding
❌ “Local food” served at foreign-owned, all-inclusive chains
🧼 Plastic water bottles and single-use toiletries in every room
What to Look for Instead:
✔️ Certifications (Fair Trade Tourism, Green Globe, EarthCheck)
✔️ Proof of impact: Where do profits go? Are staff locals?
✔️ Transparent sustainability policies
✔️ Minimalist design + use of local materials
👀 Sustainability is more than branding — it's action. Read TUVA’s full guide to spotting greenwashing