New Hotel Rating System in Greece to Emphasize Sustainability

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels President Alexandros Vassilikos, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Hotels in Greece are to be categorized by a new rating system based on sustainability criteria, including their assessment and certification according to their social and environmental footprint, according to an announcement by the Greek Tourism Ministry.

A study of the new rating system was presented recently by Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos and Technical Chamber of Greece President Giorgos Stasinos to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti during a meeting at the ministry.

Over the past two years, the two chambers have collaborated to develop a comprehensive and functional system of criteria. The system aims to incorporate all certifications of sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.

Following the meeting, Minister Kefalogianni said that sustainable tourism development is a ministry priority and endorsed the creation of the new classification system for Greek hotels, which will align with national and European climate goals.

“The evaluation of accommodations through this system is a global innovation,” Kefalogianni said, adding that the new rating system is expected to be presented to the industry this fall.

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels President Alexandros Vassilikos expressed pride in the ministry’s adoption of the proposed assessment system.

“This confirms that, with the right policies, Greek hotels can excel not only in development and employment but also in sustainability,” he said.