"The Rhodes Co-Lab" - Tui puts Rhodes at the center of global interest

It is the first project in the world in which a top destination of this size, such as Rhodes, is facing its own transformation towards more sustainability in such a comprehensive way, in collaboration with a global tourism group.

Fritz Joussen, CEO of TUI Group, made the statement at yesterday's presentation of "The Rhodes Co-Lab" in Rhodes, saying that "sustainable transformation needs cooperation. "Greece, the Aegean and TUI invite the tourism industry to work together to develop the sustainable destination of the future."

Yesterday's presentation in Aktaion was preceded earlier by a working meeting of the regional governor, George Hatzimarkos in his office, with the President of the TUI Care Foundation, Thomas Ellerbeck, during which a roadmap was drawn for the implementation of this pioneering program, the first workshop for the beneficial green and digital transformation of the entire chain of services related to tourism, through the innovative Co-Lab project.

"The Rhodes Co-Lab" is a strategic partnership between the South Aegean Region and the TUI Group, who join forces to build a pioneering model of the future for sustainable tourism worldwide, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and the Municipality of Rhodes, and with the mobilization and participation of local, national and global stakeholders from the public and private sector, the Region states in an announcement.

In particular, based on the global agenda for the achievement of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, but also at European level in the framework of the implementation of the European Green Agreement and the "Build Back Better" program for Europe, Rhodes was selected by TUI to star as a tourist destination in fair, inclusive, green digital and sustainable development. It will be a roadmap for other destinations with similar characteristics to shift from the outdated tourism development model to that of truly sustainable tourism.

The goal is the development of Rhodes into an international lighthouse for the sustainable development of holiday destinations. "The Rhodes Co-Lab" will work with the local tourism industry and international partners to find specific solutions and their development and implementation in Rhodes. In addition, a think tank will be set up in Rhodes to bring together international experts and to strengthen and further develop the transformation of the tourism sector.

Through the exchange of knowledge, skills, good practices and innovative ideas, "The Rhodes Co-Lab" will map, redesign and identify solutions - programs that will be a holistic approach to the implementation of a sustainable "new generation" business model. for tourist destinations worldwide.

The Co-Lab will answer all the modern challenges for the sustainable development of Rhodes, such as e.g. reducing the impact of tourism on the environment while providing new benefits to local development and jobs, always aiming to ensure the involvement of local government, entrepreneurship and society at every stage of the process.

The implementation of the projects of "The Rhodes Co-Lab" concerns the whole range of infrastructure, products and services of the tourism chain and the local market (hotels, tourism companies, buses, taxis, tourist attractions, museums and cultural sites, restaurants and entertainment, ports-marinas, etc.).

For its financing, the project can draw resources from the Fund for Recovery and Sustainability, the NSRF 2021-2027, the Fund for Fair Transition and other European programs, as well as from the private sector, since its goals fully serve the goals of financial instruments above.

The Rhodes Co-Lab Project focuses on four areas of work, each supporting three areas of focus, to create a positive impact and sustainable development:
1. Transformation towards a circular economy
2. Biodiversity restoration and ecosystem protection
3. Creating green economic growth and benefits for the local economy
4. Reduction of air, water and soil pollution

The goals set are:

- New jobs and local entrepreneurship
- Increasing local added value through innovative experiences
Strengthen links between local SMEs and the tourism sector
- Energy, water and waste management
Boosting local resource production
- Sustainable mobility and fuel transformation
- Reforestation and land regeneration
- Preservation of the diversity of nature
- Marine and coastal protection
- Promoting tourism careers through training and skills upgrades
- Empowerment of children and young people through education
- Protection and promotion of the local authentic culture and heritage

The governor of the South Aegean, George Chatzimarkos, stated in this regard: "The Rhodes Co-Lab" is a great alliance and vote of confidence for Rhodes, for the South Aegean and Greece. There is a fundamental principle that covers all policies in our Region, the South Aegean Region: that the future starts today. We have faced enormous difficulties in the last decade, but we are proud to say today that in the islands of our Region they came out stronger, more confident and determined to succeed in the future. Meeting the challenges is a complex task and we understand that no one can do it alone.

I believe that this great alliance, with a leader in the global tourism market, such as the TUI Group, goes beyond the narrow limits of our common commitment to this endeavor. It is a vote of confidence in Rhodes, in the islands of the South Aegean Region but also in Greece. With the support of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who inspires us and shows us the way during all these difficult years, I am absolutely sure that there is a very promising future and I look forward to starting the implementation of this wonderful project, which, having in the center of action man, concerns Tomorrow, the tourism industry and beyond.

"Today we are proving that sustainability is not a utopia. It is a realistic plan, a plan of life. It is an invitation to participate and take action. It is a path of development. It is the way to respond fully to the great issues of our time, such as quality of life, infrastructure development, preservation of the unique environment and biodiversity, culture and civilization, prosperity, social cohesion. The future belongs to those who look at it intently and dare to face it. Together with the TUI Group and the TUI Care Foundation we are moving forward towards the future we deserve. An interesting and demanding journey of 5 years begins ".

It is recalled that the first announcement of the project "The Rhodes Co-Lab" - 1st Sustainable Global Tourism Destination, was made last Wednesday by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during a teleconference with the CEO of TUI Group, Fritz Joussen, present Minister of Tourism , Vassilis Kikilias, the Minister of State Akis Skertsos, the Governor of the N. Aegean, George Chatzimarkos and the Mayor of Rhodes Antonis Kampourakis.

Yesterday followed his presentation in Rhodes, in front of the representatives of the tourism organizations, the productive classes and the local government.
The Governor of the South Aegean, George Chatzimarkos, together with the Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias, the CEO of TUI Group, Fritz Joussen, the Mayor of Rhodes, Antonis Kampourakis and the President of the TUI Care Foundation, Thomas Ellerbeck, with the coordination of journalist Nikos presented in the "Aktaion" hall the axes of this global initiative, based on which Rhodes was chosen to become the first sustainable, tourist destination and to be a model, sustainable business model "new generation" for tourist destinations worldwide.