Flow Communications recently did a web revamp for Open Africa, a non-profit organisation that encourages travellers to support off-the-beaten-track routes and tourism businesses, while simultaneously increasing local communities’ awareness of the environment and its value.
The new Open Africa website
The huge employment deficit in South Africa, especially in the rural areas, spurred Open Africa to find a way to fuse the natural beauty that surrounds communities in the rural areas, the needs of the people who live in these communities, and the life-changing experiences that travellers search for.
Travellers have the option of choosing from 56 travel routes across six countries (South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland). Each route creates opportunities for communities that will have far-reaching results.
Flow’s media developer, Ingrid Sinclair, managed the content and enjoyed working on the Open Africa site.
“Open Africa’s vision and strategies are a shining example of proudly African sustainable development, and it was so inspiring to become acquainted with a client that had the greater good in mind when they developed their product,” says Ingrid. “Reading the individual testimonies and taking in the beauty of the routes made this project gratifying in more ways than one.”
As a result of Open Africa’s efforts:
• Some 30 000 people have been employed;
• New black enterprises have been created and capacity building done for existing black enterprises and;
• Conservation has been enhanced along every travel route.
This organisation has also taught rural communities to work together to promote tourism in their areas.
Through Open Africa, tourists tailor their experiences according to what interests them, how much time they have and what budget they are working with. Travellers experience an authentic and inspiring journey while forming a real connection with the local people.
Do your part to enable livelihoods and conserve our natural environment by making a donation, being a sponsor either as an organisation or an individual, or by planning a trip.