*By Eva Oikonomaki
Hoteliers spend approximately 200 million euros on sustainability actions, according to the research “Sustainable Hospitality: Measurements and Challenges in Greek Hotels” prepared by the Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasting (ITF) on behalf of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCHF).
In 2024, out of the 1 billion euros invested by entrepreneurs in the sector, 19% was channeled into green practices.
Based on the relevant research presented by Dr. Georgios Petrakos, Professor of Quantitative Methods & Computers at Panteion University and General Director of ITF, large and high-end hotels are proceeding with significant investments in new technologies and systems to measure and implement their sustainability goals.
Accordingly, smaller and lower-end hotels prefer immediate, visible and cost-effective solutions, while implementing limited more technically demanding projects and investments.
Among the actions to which funds were directed are energy-saving systems, heating and cooling systems, control systems, water-saving practices, electric vehicle charging stations and materials recycling systems.
Regarding electric mobility, a significant increase in the percentage of hotels with electric car charging stations is recorded from 5.3% in 2020 to 15.7% in 2024.
Specifically, 5-star hotels with such stations increased from 21.3% in 2020 to 65.3% in 2024, with the corresponding percentage in 4-star hotels having increased from 11.5% in 2020 to 28.5% in 2024.
Based on the ITEP survey, 21% of hotels have a system for recording and monitoring their energy consumption, while in relation to water saving, more than half of the hotels record towel reuse and have a low-consumption cistern.
The 4 profiles
Based on the study presented at the conference “Paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow” held within the framework of the “Hospitality with value for all” initiative, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Hellenic Hotel Association, hotels are divided into 6 categories depending on waste management.
High Tech Recyclers (9.4%). High adoption rates of waste monitoring and food management systems. 25% belong to the 5-star category and 33% have more than 100 rooms.
WM Experts (9.3%). 50% are 4 and 5-star hotels with at least 50 rooms. They present the highest adoption rates of management practices (>90%).
Minimalists (33.9%). The largest category, with only basic recycling as a practice. It does not present a clear profile in terms of region, size or category.
Non-engaged (19.4%). 60% are small, family-run hotels with around 20 rooms, 1 or 2 star category. They have almost no waste management practices.
Balanced Performers (12.6%). They excel in both recycling and material reduction. 35% are located in the South Aegean and 90% are small, family-run hotels.
Cost Conscious (15.4%) They focus on cost-saving strategies. Only 10% have environmental/sustainable development certifications.
The conclusions of the research
The main conclusions of the research are:
- The analysis of the data of the ITEP/ΣEE – ESG 2024 survey in combination with relevant results from other ITEP surveys, clearly shows that Greek hotels are gradually moving towards a more sustainable operating model.
- The levels of will, goal setting and awareness are high in all hotel categories, but progress, mainly at a technological level, is uneven.
- Large and high-class hotels, at high rates, are proceeding with significant investments in new technologies and systems to measure and implement their sustainability goals.
- Smaller and lower-class hotels prefer immediate, visible and cost-effective solutions, while more technically demanding projects and investments are implemented to a limited extent.
- This highlights the immediate need for information and training, for incentives and subsidies for technological upgrade projects aimed at their sustainable development, and for strategic support from the State and local bodies.
Source: tourismtoday.gr
