Rhodes Co-Lab Plan Sets Out Actions to Make Greek Island Sustainability Model

(L-R) TUI Group Sustainability Officer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the TUI Care Foundation Thomas Ellerbeck; South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos and Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Photo source: South Aegean Region

A total of 26 projects are set to transform the Greek island of Rhodes into a global model of sustainable tourism as part of the Rhodes Co-Lab business plan presented this week during a special event at the Rodos Palace Hotel.

To be implemented over a period of five years, Rhodes Co-Lab is a joint initiative of the South Aegean Region, the Rhodes municipality and tour operator TUI Group aimed at identifying and implementing concrete sustainable solutions that focus on the people, the environment, and the economy.

The business plan was presented during the event this week, attended by Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos, local government and tourism stakeholders, and TUI Group Sustainability Officer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the TUI Care Foundation Thomas Ellerbeck.

Actions as part of the “Rhodes Co-Lab Sustainable Destination – Strategy & Implementation Plan” include creating the conditions for green economic growth; accelerating the transition to a greener circular economy; strengthening the positive social and economic footprint of tourism; and safeguarding the island’s biodiversity and natural environment.

Other actions include the creation of a think-tank for sustainable tourism development, vocational training for youths, upskilling opportunities for tourism professionals, and environmental education and raising awareness among children.

Project initiatives will cover the entire tourism-related value chain – infrastructure, services and ventures  in transport, accommodation, activities and excursions, food and beverages, tourism assets and general support services.

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Photo source: South Aegean Region

“Rhodes is a tourism leader and as such should become a more sustainable destination which will be to the benefit of all workforce sectors,” said Kikilias, pledging to fully support the effort which paves the way for other destinations to follow.

Earlier this month, Rhodes was once again ranked among the Top 5 most sustainable holiday destinations in the world based on performance in carbon emissions, air quality, availability of electric vehicle charging stations, and the number of vegan restaurants and nature spots.

Addressing the event, Hatzimarkos said it was a “historic day for the island” and that other destinations will be able to take advantage of the experience gained during the implementation of Rhodes Co-Lab.

“The future will either be sustainable or won’t exist at all,” he said.

South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos. Photo source: South Aegean Region

On his part, TUI Care Foundation’s Thomas Ellerbeck highlighted that TUI has set binding targets to reduce carbon emissions from its airlines, cruise ships and hotels.

“Destination Co-Lab Rhodes is one of the three pillars of TUI’s sustainability agenda,” Ellerbeck said during the event.

He added that projects on Rhodes in the fields of climate neutrality; avoiding single-use plastics and food waste; and the circular economy, have began to come into place. These projects, he said, will have an impact not only on the island, but also on other tourism destinations as well.

“We need everyone’s support: the citizens of Rhodes, hotels, transport and car rental companies, local businessmen, as well as public authorities and the government,” Ellerbeck said.