Vacations give us a chance to recharge, to experience new things, go on new adventures, and reconnect with our families and loved ones. They provide us with the time and space to relax, reflect, and gain fresh perspectives, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
But, more than just a break away from the hubbub of daily life, through your next holiday you can also actively contribute to making the world a better place. That’s according to Kruger Gate Hotel CEO Anton Gillis, who says that tourism and travel can create a positive cycle of development, conservation, and impact.
“Travel has the power to uplift and transform not just the traveller, but the communities they visit. By making simple, mindful choices — like supporting local businesses, respecting cultural practices, and choosing sustainable options — we can ensure that our journeys leave a positive impact. It’s a way to give back to the places that enrich our lives by helping us step away from the pressures of life, experience joy in new environments, and return home with renewed energy,” says Gillis.
One of the easiest ways to ensure your vacations are both enjoyable and meaningful is by choosing experiences and destinations that contribute to the well-being of the world around us. This can mean participating in tours that support local artisans and help preserve indigenous cultures, enjoying activities focused on conservation like visiting the Kruger National Park or staying at accommodations that provide funding for worthy causes.
In fact, the Kruger Gate Hotel Water Initiative is a shining example of how tourism can be a force for good. By supporting this, and similar initiatives, travellers can help to create a world where travel and tourism contribute to the development of communities, the preservation of the environment, and the enrichment of our own lives.
The Kruger Gate Hotel Water Initiative aims to provide local communities surrounding the hotel, such as the small town of eMakhazeni, with clean water through the installation of central water systems. Each project is equipped with a solar pump, solar panels and water towers, which brings clean, potable water to the whole village. According to Gillis, it was first established after some employees at the hotel, who live in these local communities, asked to take water home.
“Water can often be a relatively scarce resource in rural areas across Mpumalanga, with many having to walk long, sometimes dangerous, distances to collect any. Furthermore, this is a task that often falls on women, children, and the elderly who are left vulnerable to attacks and harassment,” says Gillis. “That’s why we wanted to provide a safer, more sustainable solution that eases this burden and protects the most vulnerable members of these communities, especially as the hotel has deep connections with these communities who service it with third-generation employees.”
The impact of the Kruger Gate Hotel Water Initiative extends beyond the immediate provision of clean water. By supporting local employment through training and hiring locals to build these infrastructures and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources, the hotel is helping to create a resilient community that can thrive in the face of challenges. This, in turn, contributes to the preservation of the environment, as communities with access to basic needs are better equipped to engage in conservation efforts.
Moreover, the initiative is helping to break the cycle of poverty that often plagues rural communities. With access to clean water, children are healthier and can attend school regularly, adults can work without the burden of waterborne illnesses, and the community as a whole is more empowered to participate in the economy.
“Through this initiative, and our sustained commitment to environmental protection, you know that when you stay at Kruger Gate Hotel, you’re not just booking a room — you’re becoming part of a movement that prioritises people and the planet, contributing to a cause that makes a tangible difference in the world,” says Gillis.
Travel is a privilege that not everyone is able to experience, and for those of us who can, it is also our responsibility to add value to the places, people and communities we visit when travelling. So, the next time you plan a vacation, consider how your travel choices can make a difference. Choose destinations that are committed to responsible tourism, and you’ll not only create lasting memories but also leave a positive impact on the world, making it better one vacation at a time.
