Drakensberg Sun classified as Diamond

"Since 2008, the resort has maintained its Heritage Platinum Certification status and demonstrated its organisational commitment to responsible business, and this award recognises the efforts that have been made to minimise impacts and raise awareness of environmental stewardship in the tourism sector," said Neal Dickinson, director of operations of Heritage.

Continuously implementing efforts towards reducing and managing its impact on the environment, and striving actively to contribute to a more sustainable society, the Tsogo Sun requested the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme to measure and track environmentally responsible business and sustainable practices at all its properties.

Internationally recognised

Heritage is an independent, internationally recognised environmental certification programme. Developed using seven international environmental management systems and ISO 14000, the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme is one of the top three environmental management programmes in the tourism industry worldwide. It is recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and is an integral part of the annual Fedhasa Imvelo Awards, which recognise and reward sustainable and responsible tourism in southern Africa.

Annually Heritage audits each Tsogo Sun property to ensure compliance with environmental standards and procedures. The certification programme now recognises four levels of environmental excellence: