Costa Navarino Honored For Responsible Tourism Practices At World Travel Awards 2014

Water reservoir, Costa Navarino. Photo source: TEMES

Costa Navarino in Messinia, Greece, was named winner of Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2014 that took place 2 August in Athens.

Hailed as “the Oscars of the travel industry,” World Travel Awards is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade. The brand aims to celebrate those organizations that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence. Votes are cast by travel professionals and high-end tourism consumers.

According to World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke, the Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award is one of the most significant awards of the institution. “Costa Navarino is already among the most powerful brands in Europe and now will receive even more attention due to the choice of the voters of the awards,” Mr. Cooke said during the WTA Europe Gala Ceremony 2014, which was held at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.

The prime destination in the Mediterranean has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and applies a series of practices aimed to develop a sustainable tourism destination.

“This distinction by the World Travel Awards is a great honor and recognition of the strong commitment of Costa Navarino in environmentally responsible development,” said Stefanos Theodoridis, CEO TEMES.

Dunes Beach, Costa Navarino. Photo source: TEMES

The sustainable efforts of Costa Navarino cover all aspects of environmental protection, including water and energy management practices such as the recent photovoltaic facilities among the largest in Greece, integrated waste management and a number of environmental programs for the preservation of nearby ecologically important habitats and species.

The destination’s practices include two water reservoirs which were inputted pre-construction to cover irrigation needs, including the two signature golf courses; the largest olive-tree transplanting program in Europe, the photovoltaic park and the biggest geothermal system.

“We continually strive for the best, based on values​ that lie deep in our philosophy: protection and promotion of the natural environment and rich cultural heritage while maintaining a good cooperation with the local community,” he added.

Also competing for Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award were Europcar UK Limited, Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Cruising – Norwegian Epic and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

In April, Costa Navarino won the “Destination Award” at the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) annual Global Summit, in Hainan, China. The awards recogniz the most innovative businesses and destinations in sustainable tourism best practices worldwide.