The Municipality of Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete is dynamically entering the era of green transition, redefining the relationship between the tourism sector and the environment. In a region with a high tourism demand, environmental management is no longer a simple choice, but a strategic necessity. Hersonissos’ response to the climate and environmental challenge is bold and innovative: self-management of waste from hotels, through the Sustainable Horeca initiative.
The newly established urban company, led by environmental engineer Fotis Kokoto, aims to radically overhaul the waste management system in the region. The pilot implementation of the “pay as you throw ” model in the hotel business is the core of the action. The model reinforces prevention, reuse and recycling, bringing businesses closer to the circular economy.
According to the latest figures, the region produces 43,651 tonnes of waste per year. Households are responsible for 13,733 tonnes, other businesses for 21,343 tonnes and 4 and 5 star hotels for 8,575 tonnes. The fact that luxury hotels are not the main polluter dispels myths and highlights the positive role they can play.
An impressive example is the Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts chain, which has achieved a 95% reduction in solid waste sent to landfill, achieving the Zero Waste distinction.
Mr Kokotos stresses that the solution lies in self-management and the active participation of businesses themselves in the process. “Environmental management is no longer optional, but necessary”, he says, noting the ambition to turn Hersonissos into a model of sustainable tourism for the Eastern Mediterranean.
