The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) has launched a new sustainability hub to shine a light on initiatives happening across the country.
The hub will highlight some of the initiatives with the hopes of informing travellers about the many ways to visit Greece responsibly, as well as inspire tourism providers.
The country has made huge changes in order to become as sustainable as possible, with islands now powered by renewables, UNESCO protected ancient sites and practices, electric vehicles ruling the roads, 3D printing using ocean waste and destinations made more accessible to less-abled travellers.
Some of the initiatives in place include a new ‘ASTYBUS’, an electric bus network, on the island of Astypalaia, Tilos being on track to be the first island in the Mediterranean to be 100% energy self-sufficient, Paros becoming the first waste-free, plastic-free island through the Clean Blue Paros initiative, a ‘Pick the Alien’ scheme from iSea which encourages local seafood markets and restaurants to sell invasive fish, and the launch of ‘The Rhodes Co-Lab’, a project that explores how a tourism destination can develop sustainability, both environmentally and socially.
Sofia Zacharaki, Greek Deputy Minister, said, “Greece is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes, deep-rooted ancient cultures and precious indigenous species, and it is our responsibility to make sure these are protected, whilst at the same time allowing locals and visitors to enjoy them.
“It is a big challenge, but one we are willing to tackle head on. It is so inspiring to see the work that is being put in to transform our tourism sector, and with policy changes, investment and prioritisation, focusing on diversification, sustainability and quality, we want to pave a new future for our country.”
The sustainability hub will focus on five themes; Sustainable Best Practices, Future Green Projects, Sustainable Initiatives, Sustainable Experiences and Sustainable Holidays in Greece.
