Grevena Shortlisted for European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024 Title

Grevena, Greece. Photo source: European Commission.

Grevena in Western Macedonia, northern Greece, has been shortlisted for the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024 title, according to a recent announcement by the European Commission. The award recognizes destinations that demonstrate innovative and sustainable tourism practices.

The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism follows the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) competition launched by the European Commission in 2007 to recognize Europe’s unconventional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations.

Along with Grevena,  Grosseto (Italy), Karawanken-Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark (Austria/Slovenia), and Valongo (Portugal) also impressed the panel of independent sustainability experts with their applications and were selected from 11 applicant destinations.

The finalists will be invited to present their proposals to a European Jury, with the responsibility of selecting the 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.

Grevena

Grevena, Greece. Photo source: European Commission.

Grevena is a small municipality in the Western Macedonia region of Greece. It is home to a variety of natural attractions, including mountains, forests, and lakes. The region is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages.

Green initiatives

Grevena, Greece. Photo source: European Commission.

In recent years, Grevena has implemented a number of green initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable tourism. These initiatives include:

• Geothermal energy: Grevena is the Green City of Geothermal Energy, with large-scale geothermal projects that rank among the best in Europe. Geothermal energy is used to heat and cool municipal buildings, including the Indoor Sport Center and Swimming Pool, Cultural Center, and some schools.
• Energy-efficient buildings: Grevena has renovated municipal buildings to make them more energy-efficient. This has resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption and emissions.
• Public transportation: Grevena has invested in public transportation to reduce car dependency and improve air quality. The municipality offers a free shuttle bus service to tourists and residents.
• Cultural routes: Grevena has created four cultural routes to promote its rich cultural heritage.
• Digital technologies: Grevena has used digital technologies to promote its tourism attractions and make information more accessible to visitors. The municipality has created an electronic platform with information about tourist and cultural attractions. It has also placed signs with QR codes in central parts of the region and important tourist destinations.

The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award is a prestigious recognition of Grevena’s efforts. If Grevena is selected as the winner, it will receive expert communication and branding support at the EU level throughout 2024.