As global tourism is set to surge, predicted to generate up to 30 billion visits and contribute a staggering $16 trillion to the global economy by 2034, the sustainability of this industry comes under increasing scrutiny. The World Economic Forum’s newly released report, Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point, reveals a paradox: nature is the primary draw for tourists, yet unchecked tourism practices are wreaking havoc on biodiversity and escalating waste and carbon emissions. If left unaddressed, tourism’s greenhouse gas emissions could soar to as high as 15% of global totals within the next decade, threatening the ecosystems that attract travellers in the first place.

In this climate of concern, Boschendal Wine Estate has remarkably positioned itself as a pioneering force in sustainable tourism by officially earning the prestigious Green Key certification for its accommodation offerings. This accomplishment not only makes Boschendal the first wine estate globally to achieve this honour, but it also reinforces the estate’s steadfast commitment to regenerative practices that benefit both the land and the communities it supports.

Amy Kropman, CEO of Boschendal, expressed pride in this significant achievement.

“As we honour 340 years of history this September, becoming the first wine estate in the world to earn Green Key recognition for its accommodation is a powerful validation of our regenerative philosophy in action. We aim to regenerate not only the soil but also the people who live, work, and stay with us.”

The Green Key certification, which is administered by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and coordinated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is renowned as one of the most respected eco-labels in the tourism sector. It demands rigorous compliance and is awarded to establishments that excel in environmental management, resource efficiency, ethical practices, and community engagement.

Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA, applauded Boschendal for setting a “truly remarkable milestone” in the domain of sustainable tourism, viewing the estate’s certification as a testament to its commitment to heritage, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

“This certification formally recognises Boschendal’s leadership in sustainable tourism,” she said.

Boschendal has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives, including the integration of renewable energy sources tailored to its operational needs through a burgeoning solar infrastructure. Additionally, since 1 August, the estate has introduced a 2% Conservation Levy on all accommodation stays. This funding supports biodiversity-friendly, regenerative farming practices, conservation efforts for indigenous flora and fauna, and enhancements in water and energy efficiency to ensure the land’s long-term resilience.

The estate’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in its alignment with global best practices. Key measures include:

• A dedicated environmental manager and green committee overseeing progress and governance.
• A formal sustainability policy and action plan targeting climate change, biodiversity protection, resource efficiency, and social equity.
• Measurable reductions in carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste output, complemented by guest engagement and transparent reporting.
• Local partnerships that support initiatives including biodiversity conservation, youth skills development, and ethical supplier sourcing.

Aside from its Green Key certification, Boschendal’s sustainability journey is encapsulated in its Future of Farming initiative, which aims for ecological renewal through regenerative practices. These include holistic soil regeneration to optimise plant-microbiome systems, integrated livestock rotations, and onsite smart monitoring tools that enhance precision irrigation and land management.

“Being part of Boschendal’s Green Key journey has been a unique and rewarding experience,” said Tevya Visser, Green Key Programme Manager at WESSA. “This achievement sets the tone for environmentally responsible hospitality across South Africa’s wine regions.”

As the urgency for regenerative approaches becomes ever more apparent, the WEF report warns that unchecked tourism growth could culminate in irreversible damage to natural heritage sites and ecosystems. Boschendal’s proactive initiatives serve not only as a model of resilience but also as a blueprint for environmental stewardship.

 “We see Green Key not as a badge, but as a commitment to regeneration, accountability, and purpose. Guests from key markets like the UK and Germany increasingly seek aligned, impactful travel experiences—and this certification brings credibility to that promise,” said Kropman.

The official Green Key handover ceremony on 1 August saw the estate’s senior leadership alongside Green Key representatives celebrate this significant milestone. At Boschendal the combination of world-class hospitality and ecological stewardship shows a promising way for heritage destinations to evolve.

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