Definition of fair trade and its goals
According to the most widely accepted definition of fair trade (established by FINE), it is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and mutual respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers ? especially in the South.

Key fair trade principles:

• Work mainly with marginalised producers and workers and help them escape from vulnerable situations and become financially self-sufficient.
• Prepare producers and workers to maintain a sustainable livelihood and exert more control and influence over their life..
• Search for a bigger role on the world stage to achieve greater justice in international trading rules.

Fair trade today
Fair trade sales have experienced strong growth in recent years, moving away from being a "niche market" and getting a foothold in important distribution networks. For example, in Europe in the last five years the net sales value has seen a sustained annual growth of 20% and an annual turnover of 243,000 euros for importers.

fair trade and sustainable and supportive tourism relationship
While fair trade is generally associated with agricultural products and handicrafts, we are a much broader movement and include services like tourism.

Following its more widespread definition, sustainable and supportive tourism also fits into the concept and objectives of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental). In the same regards sustainable and supportive tourism is pursuing 3 main principles according to the definition of Sustainable Tourism from the World Tourism Organisation.

Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socioeconomic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to the reduction of poverty.

Respect the sociocultural authenticity of the host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance.

Makes optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.

Therefore the Sustainable and Supportive Project has defined a set of criteria and in accordance with them will provide training, technical assistance and access to funding to continuously evolve and improve..

Criteria selection:

• Employment of local population
• Employment of a relevant number of women
• Local supplies
• Impact on local development