Ecotourism
The Cape Peninsula is one of the world’s centres for ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism. This is a form of tourism that appeals to ecologically and socially conscious persons. Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It typically involves travel to destinations such as the Western Cape where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is an intangible experience, enriching those who delve into researching and understanding the environment around them. It lets us see the impact, as human beings, that we have on the environment, and gives us a greater appreciation of our own natural habitats. Its popularity represents a change in tourist perceptions, increased environmental awareness, and a desire to explore natural environments.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. The De Noordhoek Hotel, located in the Noordhoek Farm Village, is completely committed to ecotourism in the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and in the creation of economic opportunities for the local communities of the Cape Peninsula. The De Noordhoek Hotel was designed and built from the very start with the environment in mind. The hotel is dedicated to social responsibility and to community support initiatives and carries out environmentally friendly practices wherever possible – in guest rooms and public areas, in its food and dining, its gardens, administration and even in the hotel cleaning operations. This Cape hotel is the first in the Western Cape to use solar heated hot water throughout its operation.
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