The new boss of Tui Group has outlined plans to make Rhodes a blueprint model for sustainable tourism transformation.
Chief executive Sebastian Ebel was speaking at a World Travel Market event hosted by Greek tourism minister Vasilis Kikilias.
Europe’s largest travel group is poised to unveil a new sustainability agenda within weeks.
Ahead of the publication, Ebel highlighted a ‘Destination Co-Lab’ in the Greek island as a key initiative within the strategy.
He said: “We have entered a decade of sustainable transformation. This is particularly true for the tourism sector – an industry that of course heavily relies on intact natural environment and fair social participation. For us at TUI this is not a threat. It´s an opportunity.
“We have a sustainability track record that we are proud of. And we are committed to lead the industry also in future.
“Sustainability is a top priority on my agenda. In a few weeks, we will launch our Sustainability Agenda – People, Planet, Progress – with an ambitious roadmap for all three dimensions of sustainability.
“We will drive down our emissions and the use of resources. And we will massively boost local participation in the destinations we operate in – making sure that local communities benefit more from the success of our industry.”
Ebel added: “The Destination Co-Lab Rhodes that we have developed in partnership with the region of the South Aegean and the Greek government is a key initiative within our new agenda.
“Together with our Greek partners we want to develop Rhodes into an international blueprint of sustainable tourism transformation.
“The Co-Lab is a truly holistic initiative – covering all the various aspects and all the various stakeholder groups that are needed to shape the sustainable future of a destination. This has not been done anywhere on that scale before.”