Travel Agents in Greece and Europe Team Up to Promote Sustainable Tourism

(L-R) HATTA President Nikos Kelaiditis; President Lyssandros Tsilidis; GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis; ECTAA President Frank Oostdam and GNTO President Angela Gerekou. Photo source: GNTO.

Travel agents in Greece and Europe joined forces in Athens this week to push for sustainable tourism practices and policies that address climate change.

The Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies’ (HATTA), the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) exchanged experiences and knowledge on sustainable tourism, discussed EU Climate Action, and committed to work together to ensure the travel industry’s responsible evolution and its alignment with global sustainability goals.

“Travel is a transformative experience that allows individuals to explore new horizons, connect with diverse cultures, and create cherished memories. However, with this privilege comes a profound responsibility towards the destinations, the people and the environment,” said  GNTO President Angela Gerekou addressing the two-day conference.

“In an era defined by climate change and environmental degradation, the travel industry must embrace sustainability as an imperative,” she added.

GNTO President Angela Gerekou. Photo source: GNTO.

Also speaking during the event, ECTAA President Frank Oostdam admitted that the travel industry contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, adding however that there was a “clear path forward through the promotion and dissemination of sustainable practices, including investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient transportation, and carbon offset programs, to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change”.

Referring to the fires that ravaged Greece for days this summer and the floods,  HATTA President Lysandros Tsilidis underlined the importance of integrating sustainable tourism practices in disaster preparedness and risk management “to make destinations more resilient in the face of crises, whether natural disasters or global health emergencies”.

Lastly, GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis said extending the tourism season in order to distribute tourist flows throughout the year was part of the country’s efforts towards sustainable tourism.

Fragakis also announced that Greece was in discussions to hold the first world congress of travel agents in 2024.

GNTO Secretary General Dimtris Fragakis. Photo source: GNTO.

Moreover, discussions during the meeting also focused on the Green Claims proposal currently being debated in the European Parliament which aims to address greenwashing, protect consumers, and promote environmental responsibility in business-to-consumer commercial practices.

Attention was also given to the legislative proposal CountEmissionEU, which seeks to overcome barriers to harmonizing the measurement and calculation of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, the main source of GHG emissions of the tourism industry.