The International Centre for Responsible Tourism Southern Africa provides local context to a global imperative that we all take responsibility for ensuring a sustainable future. It is guided by the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter, signed on Magna Carta Island on November 6th, 2022

ICRT Southern Africa serves countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Unique environmental, social, and cultural considerations of the region will guide the chapter's initiatives.

The Chapter aims to enhance tourism benefits, promote sustainability, and foster collaboration between tourism stakeholders and local communities, contributing to both economic growth and community well-being.

Glynn O'Leary is the founder and Chair of the ICRT Southern Africa. Glynn is the CEO of Transfrontier Parks Destinations (TFPD). TFPD develops and manages world-class, community-owned tourist destinations that benefit the local communities. Glynn was originally trained as a corporate accountant before becoming a serial  business-oriented social entrepreneur, well-qualified with in-depth experience in finance, marketing, safari activities and hospitality management.  . Their tourist destinations and activities in Southern Africa’s Transfrontier Peace Parks and Limpopo Province  are environmentally sustainable and ecologically sound.Along with Harold Goodwin of the ICRT.global he has most recently developed an accountancy methodology for measuring and reporting local economic impact through local sourcing, taxation and employment. 

The goals and objectives of the Southern African ICRT Chapter include:

• Campaign for Responsible Tourism: Promoting Responsible Tourism through idea promotion and demonstration projects.
• Facilitate South-South Exchange: Encouraging and facilitating knowledge exchange among Responsible Tourism academics and practitioners.
• Advocacy and Information Dissemination: Organizing conferences and workshops and disseminating information about Responsible Tourism principles and practices through various media. The Inaugural Southern Africa Workshop was hosted in April 2024 at Piggs Peak Hotel in Eswatini.

The Chapter is guided by the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter, signed on Magna Carta Island on November 6th, 2022.

• Responsibility for Sustainability: Recognizing that sustainability is contingent upon assuming responsibility, the charter emphasizes the role of Responsible Tourism in creating better living and visiting environments.
• Global Issues, Local Action: Acknowledging global challenges like greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, and biodiversity loss, the charter emphasizes the need for local action to address these issues effectively.
• Goal Setting and Reporting: It advocates for the establishment of goals, measurement, and reporting mechanisms to mitigate negative economic, environmental, and social impacts, including crowding and overtourism.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging local involvement in decision-making processes, the charter highlights the importance of empowering communities and addressing their economic needs.
• Conservation and Cultural Preservation: It emphasizes the positive contributions of Responsible Tourism to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity, and cultural diversity.
• Inclusive Employment and Cultural Sensitivity: The charter promotes inclusive employment practices and culturally sensitive experiences, fostering mutual respect and pride between tourists and host

ICRT SA welcomes stakeholders and tourism professionals interested in building responsible practices in the tourism industry.

Contact info@icrt.global

ICRT Southern Africa activity

Inaugural Piggs Peak Tourism Forum 2026

Eswatini Responsible Tourism Conference 2026 

WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Citations 2026           

Responsible Tourism In Africa White Paper 2026

Tourism and the Wlidlife Economy in Africa White Paper 2026 

WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Sessions  2026