Kallichoron Hotel: Eco-living and Sustainability High on Priority List

View from Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel on Astypalea.

The Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel on Astypalea continues to align its business strategy to sustainability targets as part of its ongoing commitment towards a greener future.

Earlier this year, Kallichoron became one of the first Greek hotels to sign the UNESCO “Sustainable Travel Pledge”, which sets very specific goals regarding the promotion of sustainable travel, the resilience of destinations and the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide.

The UNESCO program aims to reduce plastics and single-use waste, improve energy and water conservation and promote sustainable local community involvement to create a new tourism experience that respects the environment, local cultures and communities.

“At Kallichoron, we envision premium accommodation options on the island of Astypalea, where travelers will not only enjoy high-end accommodation, but an overall experience that does not burden the environment, gives back to the local community and includes socializing with the locals, getting to know the destination, its gastronomy and its traditions,” says the hotel’s co-founder and Sustainability Officer, Carolina Alkalai.

A Green Key eco-labelled hotel in the heart of the island’s main town, Kallichoron embraces the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, implements certified sustainability programs and is committed to reduce any environmental, social and economic impact resulting from its operation.

Following the release of its sustainability report, which highlights the economic, social and environmental actions of the company for 2021, Kallichoron has set high goals for the near future aiming to support the local community, protect the environment and save natural resources.

Promoting a green lifestyle

Sustainability has been in the center of Kallichoron’s operations for some time now.

The hotel in 2015 established the “Kallichoron Goes Green” environmental policy, aiming to save natural resources from the hotel’s activities through green practices. Through a series of initiatives, interventions and “smart” solutions, the hotel has managed to limit the consumption of energy and water and promotes the use of eco-friendly toiletries, cleaning products and detergents. Moreover, the hotel serves local products and this way actively supports the island’s producers and at the same time adds something special to the each visitor’s experience.

In addition, as part of its support towards a green lifestyle, Kallichoron in 2018 became the first certified Bike-Friendly hotel on Astypalea, giving its guests the opportunity to experience the island in a more alternative and environmentally friendly way of transportation.

Recognition & awards

Kallichoron’s Maria Mavroudi and Carolina Alkalai at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2020.

Kallichoron has received global recognition and awards for its sustainability initiatives and achievements.

Google this year included the hotel among its “Success Stories” of the Grow with Google program. The “Success Stories” feature small and medium-sized businesses that use Google’s tools, services and training options to improve their operations and grow their business through digital marketing.

With regard to awards – and to name a few – the hotel has been honored at the Green Awards 2020 for its sustainability program “Kallichoron Goes Green” and scooped the gold award in the Green Accommodation Service category and the platinum award in the Green Services category.

Kallichoron also received a gold award at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2020 for its “Room2Give” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Introduced in 2015, the initiative supports local community projects for children, young adults and cultural activities.

It should be mentioned that Kallichoron is the only hotel in Greece that has been awarded a Green Marketing Excellence Award by EEDE for its personalized breakfast service “Grandma’s Breakfast” as an innovative means of promoting sustainability in tourism.

In addition, at the Greek Travel Awards 2019, Kallichoron was declared Best Greek Boutique Hotel for all the services it offers to visitors.

“Kallichoron’s continuous distinctions, especially for sustainability, are practical recognition of the high level of quality services that we offer to visitors on Astypalea,” says Kallichoron’s co-founder and General Manager, Maria Mavroudi.

“At the same time, however, they encourage us to continue our effort to promote Astypalea as a sustainable tourism destination, always with respect to the authentic character of the island,” she added.