Greece’s Green Triumph: ECTAA & Tourism Board Celebrate

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable tourism, Greece is embarking on a transformative journey in its tourism strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature conservation, community respect, and human-centric considerations. This visionary shift establishes Greece as a trailblazer among global tourist destinations and experiences.

Continuing the success of its inaugural edition, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) joined forces with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) to orchestrate the second installment of the roundtable titled “Greening The Greek Experience,” held on December 14th.

Themed “A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Tourism,” the event featured distinguished speakers who shared exclusive insights and innovative strategies for advancing sustainable tourism. The second edition of the Roundtable concentrated on local initiatives spanning the entire tourism value chain. Esteemed industry leaders, including Alexandros Angelopoulos (CEO of Aldemar Resorts), Vangelis Vassiliou (Senior Sales Manager | Central Europe Grecotel Hotels & Resorts), Efstathios Kontos (Tilos Municipality), Tina Kyriakis (founder of Alternative Athens), Anastasios Gourgouras (Owner of Milia Mountain Resort & Restaurant), and Kyriaki Boulasidou (Director, Greek National Tourism Organisation Benelux), engaged in profound discussions on pivotal sustainability measures.

Throughout the Roundtable, speakers underscored the significance of small initial steps in the sustainability journey, drawing attention to examples such as Alternative Athens, a pioneering startup specializing in thematic tourism, and Milia Mountain Resort, an eco-lodge with a dedicated focus on sustainability. Noteworthy was Aldemar’s Care Corporate Social Responsibility program, designed to maximize social and economic benefits for communities while responsibly managing environmental impact. The event also highlighted Grecotel’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints through the incorporation of locally sourced products, showcasing the substantial dedication of major hotel chains to sustainability.

Kyriaki Boulasidou, Director of the GNTO Office Benelux, expressed considerable optimism, stating, “Greek tourism actors, with unwavering support from the Greek Government, are fully committed to ensuring that the country evolves into a fully sustainable, year-round destination. The commendable Zero Waste initiatives on the island of Tilos serve as a testament to how small local communities can actively invest in sustainable tourism.”

As Greece navigates towards a sustainable future for tourism, stakeholders and participants are invited to actively contribute to shaping the trajectory of tourism in Greece. This collaborative endeavor signifies a decisive stride towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry, marking Greece as a beacon of inspiration for the global travel landscape.

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