Sustainable Practices for Greek Hoteliers Focus of 1st Go Green Seminar

Photo source: Green Guide

Water conservation, waste management, recycling and sustainable modes of transport were key issues explored during the 1st Go Green! Hotel Seminar held this month at the Amalia Hotel in Athens.

Organized by Ecotourism Greece and Green Guide, the two-day seminar addressed the impact of increasing tourist flows on the environment, sustainable practices and solutions to new challenges.

Hoteliers from across Greece discussed ways to conserve water especially on popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos where the number of hotel pools is great.

Waste management was high on the agenda as well as the need for shipping companies to renew their fleet with greener vessels in order to be able to carry out more routes year round.

Other issues included using innovative technologies to upgrade summer hotel infrastructure in order to be able to cater to the needs of year-long tourism as well as the creation of alternative tourism products.

Among other subjects examined was the issue of allowing sales of local products at hotels in order to support local communities. Key to achieving this is simplifying the licensing procedure for retail sale.

Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

A new seminar to focus on the 12 principles of sustainable tourism and on ways a hotel can “go green” has been scheduled for January 16-17. For more information or to register go here.

Ecotourism Greece promotes sustainable business practices to tourism-related businesses aiming to build a network of eco-friendly members which will strengthen local economies.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) was a media sponsor for the 1st Go Green! Hotel Seminar.