On 24 March, Mr. Chris Arukwe, a former University of Pretoria (UP) alumnus, the founder, owner and CEO of Greyspot Consult, delivered a guest lecture to University of Pretoria Campus Tours (UPCT) students. He presented in the same room where he used to attend his postgraduate Heritage and Cultural Tourism (HCT) lectures and delivered an exciting lecture that aligned with the current HCT Honours students' theme of "Going Green". He was introduced by Professor Karen Harris, Head of the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies and founder of UPCT 22 years ago. She recollected how Mr Arukwe had been a dedicated student who embraced every opportunity UPCT afforded him – an attitude which is evident in the successful business he has established and in the sterling work he continues to do today. She also mentioned that Mr Arukwe has continued to give back to UP by annually sponsoring an award for the “Best third-year Heritage and Cultural Tourism student”.

Mr Chris Arukwe and Prof Karen Harris

His presentation explored successful strategies and the significance of incorporating sustainability into tourism, empowering UPCT 2025 members to be the “next generation” of tourism entrepreneurs. Based on his extensive knowledge of African and international tourism markets, his presentation focused on global best practices in sustainable tourism. He enabled future tourism entrepreneurs to explore how tourism, particularly in countries like South Africa, must consider and embrace best practices that are eco-friendly to ensure that cultural and natural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

Mr. Chris Arukwe shared valuable insights into eco-friendly practices and how global tourism trends emphasise successful sustainable tourism strategies and initiatives. He discussed how new and existing companies and destinations integrate green tourism principles to promote environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement. He argued for students to continue their motto "conversation on conservation" to support eco-tours, firstly by embracing UP's winning green campus as the University's living heritage, including Manie van der Schyff Botanical Garden and the Giving Garden, for their guests.

Mr Arukwe emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the tourism industry and encouraged students to explore innovative ways to contribute to eco-friendly activities by establishing initiatives that drive sustainable tourism, such as eco-events, wildlife conservation, community-based tourism, and green accommodation. These would all align and contribute to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and in particular: SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 13 - Climate Action; SDG 14 - Life Below Water; and SDG 15 Life on Land. He said: "I am proudly associated with the UP Campus Tours” and encouraged the 2025 UPCT honours students to continue to be “young ambassadors for UP” by ensuring each tour they take honours the history and natural beauty of the UP campus, whilst at the same time ensuring that future generations can live in green and environmentally friendly spaces.

Mr Chris Arukwe and the UP Campus Tours Group of 2025