DELRAY BEACH, FL, Aug. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sherwin Banda is grateful that recent high-profile events have increased awareness about the importance of responsible, sustainable tourism in Africa.
"The allure of Africa is multi-faceted, but so are the challenges facing the continent," said theSouth Africa-born hotelier, who was appointed president of African Travel, Inc. earlier this month. "Fortunately, travelers are beginning to recognize and prioritize the importance of supporting long-lasting initiatives, ensuring Africa remains vibrant and diverse for generations to come. This is where safari outfitters like African Travel, Inc. can really make a difference, by offering unique and exciting programs encouraging travelers to actively participate in conservation."
Banda, who was born and raised in Cape Town, has spent more than 17 years in the international hospitality industry including various positions in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He is renowned for his personalized approach to customer care and passionate devotion to all things Africa, particularly in terms of reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Banda's proven dedication to optimizing resource efficiency fits perfectly with African Travel, Inc.'s mission to protect endangered wildlife, ecosystems, and communities.
"Africa continues to be a must-visit travel destination, but travelers now want to give back to the communities they visit and leave a legacy of their own," said Banda. "African Travel, Inc. provides numerous ways for guests to invest in Africa's future by donating their time, expertise, or physical labor to projects in East and Southern Africa. We are heralding the new age of voluntourism."
African Travel, Inc., which was recently ranked the #3 Top Safari Outfitter in Travel + Leisure's coveted 2015 World's Best Awards, supports numerous philanthropic programs and collaborates with the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organization working to preserve the environment and communities affected by tourism. Other partners include the Amy Biehl Foundation, which contributes to community building programs in Cape Town, and WildAid, whose mission is to reduce global consumption of wildlife products and end the illegal wildlife trade.
"I love that I work for a company where we get to make a difference in the world, but also make our guest's dreams come true," said Banda. "For a moment in time, an irrevocable and irreversible moment, we have touched people's lives in a way that not many industries can claim to. When travelers depart on an African Travel, Inc. itinerary, they are giving back to Africa, but also bringing meaning into their own lives.
This I know for sure: You can leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you."
For more information and to book the safari of your dreams, contact your favorite Travel Professional, call African Travel, Inc. at (800) 421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com. CST 2071444-20
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About African Travel, Inc. - "We Know Africa"
African Travel, Inc. is a 39-year-old safari operator, with operations in Africa and the USA, offering customized and locally-hosted safaris to Africa at all price points. The company's focus is solely on planning and operating safaris in Africa. We have dedicated, experienced teams in Africa, Safari Specialists in the USA, an extensive transportation fleet, numerous hotels, camps and lodges throughout The Travel Corporation's Africa-based associate companies. Refer to www.AfricanTravelInc.com for a wide variety of ideas and safaris.
About USTOA
African Travel, Inc. shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of TravCorp USA, Inc. In addition, TravCorp Financial Services Limited provides a guarantee of $20 Million.
About The TreadRight Foundation
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.
TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at TreadRight.org.