Exploring Rhodes' transition to sustainable tourism, with initiatives like harnessing solar power, promoting local cuisine, and forming the Rhodes CoLab program. Businesses are adapting to prioritize sustainability and enhance guest experiences, aiming to make the island a 'beacon for sustainable tourism'.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Efforts in Rhodes are focusing on sustainability in tourism to address environmental impacts and create authentic experiences for guests.
Collaboration among local and international partners is key to implementing initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics and increasing local agriculture production in Rhodes.
Deep dives
Rhodes Tourism Flourishing Despite Challenges
Tourism on the Greek island of Rhodes is thriving, with 97% of the local economy dependent on it. Despite challenges like wildfires, which forced evacuations, the island saw record tourist numbers. Efforts are being made to shift towards sustainable tourism, with an ambitious five-year program focusing on environmental impact.
Transitioning to Sustainable Practices
Hotels like the Irene Palace Beach Resort are embracing sustainability. Practices include sourcing from local producers, promoting organic cultivation, and reducing food waste. Engagement with hotel owners and the agricultural sector enhances environmental consciousness among guests, leading to authentic and memorable experiences.
Large-Scale Sustainability Initiatives for Rhodes
The Rhodes CoLab, a five-year program, aims to make Rhodes a sustainable tourism beacon. Initiatives include eliminating single-use plastics by 2027 and increasing local agriculture production. Collaboration between local and international partners is crucial for creating pilot projects to benefit both Rhodes and other Mediterranean destinations.
Summer tourism in the Mediterranean is not only already in full swing but set for another bumper season.
In Rhodes, "the more the merrier” is the mantra on this famed Greek isle, which is economically reliant on tourism. But the growing influx of arrivals each year alongside increasing frequency and ferocity of the annual wildfire season is posing some hard questions for locals about the need for more environmentally-friendly forms of tourism. Now, an ambitious five-year programme is underway, aimed at transforming the fourth-largest Greek island into “a beacon for sustainable tourism.” We head to Rhodes to take a look at how it is progressing, how businesses are adapting, and the way tourists are responding.
Presenter/producer: Victoria Craig
(Photo: Anda Karayanni of the Irene Palace Hotel, Rhodes, tending to some plants. Credit: Victoria Craig/BBC)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode