As the hospitality industry grapples with the impacts of climate change and increasing environmental expectations, initiatives like Hotels4Climate are leading the way toward a more sustainable future. This forward-thinking project focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the hotel sector of Greece and Cyprus, providing a valuable blueprint for low-carbon tourism development in Southern Europe.
Launched in October 2019 and completed in September 2021, Hotels4Climate was a collaborative effort between key regional and international organizations:
- INSETE (Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation),
- OEB (Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation),
- and adelphi, a sustainability think tank based in Germany.
The initiative was funded by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI), underlining its strong alignment with broader EU climate goals.
Supporting Sustainable Hospitality Through Knowledge and Practice
Hotels4Climate focused on building capacity among small and medium-sized hotels, which often lack the resources or technical knowledge to implement carbon reduction strategies. Through a combination of training programs, tools, and practical case studies, the project empowered hoteliers to take meaningful steps toward energy efficiency, resource conservation, and climate-conscious operations.
Key project activities included:
- In-depth sector analyses to understand energy and emissions trends.
- A series of webinars and study visits to promote knowledge exchange.
- The development of an online information hub with practical guides and tools.
- Promotion of circular economy practices relevant to hospitality operations.
Highlighting Best Practices and Regional Collaboration
One of the most impactful outcomes of the project was the identification of 40 best practice models from hotels across Greece, Cyprus, and Germany . These models showcased real-world examples of how hotels can reduce their carbon footprints through innovative design, technology upgrades, operational changes, and partnerships for sustainable future.
In addition, Hotels4Climate fostered cross-sector collaboration, particularly between the hospitality and financial industries, helping to unlock funding and investment in green hotel infrastructure.
A Model for Sustainable Tourism Development
Hotels4Climate stands out as a practical and scalable model for destinations aiming to integrate climate action into their tourism strategies. By focusing on concrete outcomes, local capacity building, and peer learning, the project not only reduced emissions but also strengthened the resilience and competitiveness of participating hotels.
As climate policies tighten and traveler preferences shift toward greener experiences, initiatives like Hotels4Climate will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Learn more and explore the project’s resources: Hotels4Climate – INSETE