From 2022, the planning of the “Co-Lab Rhodos” program has started. In this context, the tourist company Tui is planning a shift towards sustainability in Rhodes, in collaboration with the Greek government and the South Aegean Region.

The aim is initially “to reduce gas emissions and water consumption, but the program also deals with social issues, such as employment outside the tourist season and affordable housing”, writes the financial review Handelsblatt.

“The goals set are ambitious. As of next year, the island’s hotels, attractions and beaches should be accessible for people with disabilities. From 2027 there should be almost no plastic on the island. Local agricultural production will increase by 50% and become more sustainable so that supplies of fruit and vegetables from other parts of the country can be reduced. This will reduce gas emissions and create additional employment opportunities on the island. The promise is also that by 2030 Rhodes will have become climate neutral”.

Last year, Rhodes was also seriously affected by the forest fires that destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest and bush lands – that is, more than 12% of the total area of ​​the island. This is also the reason that “an important part of “Co-Lab Rhodos” concerns a reforestation project with fire-resistant trees”.

“The program enjoys the support of both Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the regional governor of South Aegean, Giorgos Hatzimarkos,” continues Handelsblatt. Overall, “the program seeks to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment while maximizing the positive impact on local people and the local economy.”

“Rhodes Week” is coming

The news website Merkur.de is also dealing with Rhodes, specifically with compensating visitors who were on the island when last summer’s devastating forest fires broke out.

“The plan foresees that those affected by the fires will be able to take a week’s free vacation in Rhodes in 2024. In the meantime there is a platform where those interested can register.

[…] All guests who spent the night in a hotel that had to be evacuated can participate in the “Rhodos Week” program, regardless of their nationality. They will receive a travel voucher that can be redeemed for their stay in a hotel and room of the same category as the one they stayed in during the fires.”