Rhapsody Travel Receives ‘Travelife’ Certification for Sustainability

Photo Source: @Rhapsody Travel

Rhapsody Travel, an Athens-based tourism group, was recently honored with the Travelife Certified Award for its long-term commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Established with the support of the European Commission, Travelife is a leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector. More than 35 national travel associations are promoting the scheme to their members including the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and the Pacific Asian Travel Association (PATA).

According to an announcement, Rhapsody has managed to successfully meet the 200 sustainability requirements of Travelife in its office management, product range, international business partners and customer information.

“This is a remarkable achievement and coincides with Rhapsody’s 20th year of presence in the Greek tourism industry,” said John Siokas, President of Rhapsody Travel.

The company is specializing in quality excursions and shore side activities for cruise ship passengers.

“Our role as a major cruise line, tour operator and pioneer in the field of sustainable tourism in Greece, has made us understand the significant responsibility we have in promoting sustainability. By using our experience, leadership and influence we will further minimize any negative impact from our operation on the natural and social environment,” Siokas added.

The Travelife certification also covers the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility standards focusing on the environment, biodiversity, human rights and labor relations.

Furthermore, Travelife for Tour Operators has obtained the accreditation of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC), which means that its procedures fully comply with the highest global standards.

Rhapsody Travel is the second tour operator in Greece to gain a Travelife Certification for Tour Operators, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operators sector is gaining momentum. The award of the front runner Rhapsody will inspire other companies in Greece to follow the same path,” said Naut Kusters, manager of Travelife for Tour Operators.