Parker Cottage in the heart of Cape Town’s City Bowl is more than just another bed-and-breakfast hospitality establishment set in a heritage (circa 1895) building. It’s arguably the greenest heritage building in the city and the country for that matter. The new owner, Pamela Nayler aims to prove that not only new build properties can be sustainably run.
And Pamela’s aim is being remarkably well achieved, as Parker Cottage ’s recent Fair Trade Tourism accreditation testifies. Sustainable tourism practices include using rainwater for washing machines and irrigation of their indigenous gardens; water for showers, baths and rooms is heated using energy efficient air source heat pumps; and they actively separate waste for recycling by the needy through The Salvation Army.
In addition, Parker Cottage looks after their staff incredibly well. Permanent staff receive 50% higher wages than the minimum prescribed benchmark for the industry and are motivated with guaranteed Christmas bonuses and inflation-beating annual pay increases. Staff are also funded for at least one training course a year to ensure that they are upskilled and advanced on their career path.
Their commitment to community engagement and support includes anonymous funding of two school scholarships at St Pauls Primary in the Bo Kaap, regular donations of old linen, towelling, crockery, bedding and soaps to The Haven Nightshelter, supporting the work of Medicins Sans Frontiers with monthly donations, and sponsoring at least three room nights a year to charity organisations around Cape Town for raffles or other fundraising efforts.
Economic development projects include a policy to purchase supplies and services from businesses located in less affluent areas and owned by historically disadvantaged families and individuals. One such individual is their driver and guide, Chris Hannival, who was encouraged and supported to start his own transport business. Chris now offers work to a further two drivers as a result.
Travel. Enjoy. Respect. #IYSTD17
For more information connect with Parker Cottage via the links below:
Tel: +27(0)21 424 6445
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.parkercottage.co.za
Facebook: @ParkerCottageGuesthouse
TripAdvisor: Parker Cottage
