The 8 priorities and 21 proposals for sustainable tourism
The four axes of interventions to promote sustainable tourism development in Greece are the diversification of the tourism product, the promotion of cooperation and the dissemination of best practices, the alignment of the tourism strategy with the aim of a purely positive tourism impact and the monitoring of the country’s progress towards this goal.
This results from ConsiderateGroup’s expert report, carried out on behalf of INSETE, entitled: “EXPERT REPORT: Sustainable Tourism in Greece” and can act as a documentation base for planning future actions and initiatives. The report was presented today 20 November at a press briefing and recognizes the progress the sector has made towards sustainability.
However, further steps are needed to make the transition from an approach that is simply not harmful to one that has a purely positive impact. By implementing eight priority proposals, Greek tourism can enhance its positive impact, encourage the participation of a wider range of stakeholders, promote economic diversification and respond to the growing demand for sustainable tourism practices.
The 8 priorities and 21 proposals for sustainable tourism
The report includes a total of 21 proposals to promote sustainable tourism development in Greece. These proposals have been classified into four main axes, while each proposal has been evaluated according to the possibility of implementation and the benefit that will result from its successful implementation, highlighting the following 8 priorities:
1st Axis – Differentiation of the tourist product
The three priorities in relation to the diversification of the tourism product are:
– Responsible support and promotion of destinations with rich biodiversity
– Extension of the tourist season to destinations outside the summer months
– Promotion of alternative tourism products and expansion of the portfolio beyond the traditional “sun-sea” product
2nd Axis – Search for partnerships and dissemination of best practices
Two additional priorities arise in relation to the axis of seeking partnerships and best practices:
– Strengthen and promote existing initiatives through the dissemination of best practices, including funding models
– Supporting environmental education aimed at raising awareness and understanding of ESG (Environment-Society-Governance) issues
3rd Axis – Aligning the tourism strategy with the path towards a purely positive impact
In the context of the specific axis, the central priority focuses on:
– Promoting and facilitating the adoption of established sustainable tourism development frameworks
4th Axis – Monitoring and evaluation of Greece
Two more priorities should be set in the evaluation of the country:
– Evaluation of water consumption in tourism with the aim of updating the planning and management of the relevant infrastructures
– Elaboration of studies to evaluate the sector’s efforts to reduce waste.
Indicatively, the 21 proposals of the report include the evaluation of the degree of integration of the circular economy in the activities of the tourism sector, the examination of transport infrastructures, with the aim of finding sustainable solutions, the facilitation of multilateral cooperation at the local level, especially within the municipalities, the development and promotion of less visited areas, the creation of local Destination Management Organisations, the adoption of performance indicators incorporating indicators of sustainability, visitor satisfaction and community well-being.
In the context of the meeting, statements were made by the secretary general of SETE and president of INSETE, Giorgos Vernikos, the mandated advisor of SETE, Alexandros Thanos, the general director of INSETE Ilias Kikilia and the scientific director of INSETE Ari Ikkos.
The general secretary of SETE and president of INSETE, Giorgos Vernikos, on the occasion of the presentation of the report “EXPERT REPORT: Sustainable Tourism in Greece” pointed out that: “Tourism has made significant progress in recent years, improving the tourist product and the lives of the residents , but also creating at the same time increased requirements to face modern challenges. The environmental impacts, with climate change at the top, the need to manage local societies at all levels, the evolution of travel behavior make sustainability a priority.
In this context, the goal is for tourism, which is the engine of the Greek economy, not to simply monitor developments, but to become an agent of positive change. Large companies are already integrating ESG (Environment-Society-Governance) criteria into their strategy, but it is important to strengthen the sector as a whole to form a common understanding of sustainable development.”
In his intervention, SETE’s mandated advisor, Alexandros Thanos, referred to SETE’s strategic pillars for the coming years, with an emphasis on sustainability. Mr. Thanos emphasized that the INSETE study documented the need for actions and initiatives that will tangibly and effectively strengthen the sustainable transition of Greek tourism businesses. In this context, SETE, in collaboration with INSETE and Marketing Greece, is planning a network of actions, which it will announce in the near future.
Ilias Kikilias, director general of INSETE, said: “INSETE has highlighted various aspects of sustainable development, such as infrastructure, climate change, smart destinations, balanced development, spatial planning, human resource development, accessibility . With strategic and specialized studies, as well as practical tools, we support destinations and businesses of all sizes in the implementation of sustainable practices. It is worth mentioning that the report presented today confirms the directions proposed in the “Greek Tourism 2030-Action Plans” study regarding product differentiation, resource management, waste management, infrastructure and the holistic approach to destinations . Focusing on sustainability, the Institute will soon publish a study on diversity, equality and inclusion.”
The scientific director of INSETE, Aris Ikkos presented the key points of the exhibition emphasizing that: “The exhibition highlights a strong interconnection and interdependence between Greek tourism and other sectors. The search for partnerships and the strengthening of existing sustainable tourism initiatives and frameworks are recognized as prerequisites, but also catalysts for the promotion of sustainability in the country. Achieving the sustainability goal requires continuous monitoring of the impact of the implementation of the new strategies, in order to record progress and identify new opportunities or related challenges.’
