Nisyros Island in Greece is launching an innovative 3D virtual experience of its volcano, providing users with a real-time simulation of its conditions. This digital twin project aims to boost sustainable tourism and promote the island's volcanic history.
Tag: sustainable tourism
Australia has claimed the top two spots in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list, with Whitehaven Beach in Queensland crowned the world’s best beach and Squeaky Beach in Victoria taking second place. But as Australian shores steal the spotlight, many are wondering: Did Greece’s stunning beaches make the list this year? Find out which global destinations made the cut and why Australia’s beaches are leading the way in 2025.
The Peloponnese Region is set to develop Greece’s largest certified hiking trail network, spanning 1,729 kilometers. Supported by €2.95 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the project includes trail upgrades, signage installation, and digital enhancements, aiming to boost sustainable tourism and highlight the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
As of January 1, Greece has increased its "Climate Resilience Fee," a nightly charge applied to hotels and short-term rentals. Designed to fund natural disaster preparedness, the fee replaces the previous "stayover tax" and varies by accommodation type and season. Revenue collected will support Greece's efforts to address the growing challenges of climate change while promoting sustainable tourism.
The Parnassos Ski Centre, a premier winter destination near Delphi, is set for a major transformation with €8.7 million in funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Announced by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the upgrades aim to modernise infrastructure, enhance visitor services, and promote year-round tourism. With record-breaking attendance and plans for environmentally friendly lift replacements, the project highlights Greece's commitment to sustainable mountain tourism.
Greece's tourism sector shattered records in 2024, welcoming 36 million visitors and generating €22 billion in revenue.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni has predicted a record-breaking year for tourism in 2024, with revenues expected to surpass €20 billion. Highlighting strong performance in key months and innovative new policies, including a globally pioneering hotel classification system based on environmental standards, Kefalogianni emphasized Greece's commitment to sustainable growth in its vital tourism sector.
The 5th meeting of the Greece-Türkiye Joint Tourism Committee took place in Athens, with Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Turkish Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy discussing ways to strengthen bilateral ties through tourism. Both ministers highlighted the sector’s role in fostering mutual understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and driving tourism growth. The meeting focused on sustainable tourism, niche tourism opportunities, and collaboration on career training and investments, with both sides committed to expanding tourism relations in the future.
A new study on Athens' tourism capacity reveals growing pressures on the city's infrastructure, highlighting "tourism fragility" in highly saturated neighborhoods. With year-round visitor influx impacting waste, energy, and water resources, the study calls for proactive measures, including the establishment of a Sustainable Tourism Observatory, to balance growth and quality of life.
The growing importance of wellness in luxury travel is highlighted by a new survey which reflects a rising trend in wellness tourism, with Greece emerging as a key player in this sector.
Anogia, a charming village in Crete, has been distinguished among the world's top 55 tourist villages for 2024 by the UNWTO. Celebrated for its commitment to sustainable tourism, Anogia exemplifies how rural destinations can preserve cultural heritage while promoting economic and environmental sustainability. This recognition reflects a broader initiative to highlight villages where tourism fosters rather than disrupts local traditions.
Athens triumphs as Europe's Leading City Break Destination for 2024 at the World Travel Awards. Celebrated for its blend of history and modernity, Athens continues to entice visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions. With over 7 million visitors in 2023, the city's dedication to sustainable tourism and cultural richness has secured its status as a premier year-round destination.
Greece, in partnership with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), has established…
Greece is introducing a groundbreaking hotel rating system based on sustainability principles, aiming to assess hotels by their environmental and social impact. Announced by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the initiative aligns with national and European climate goals, promoting sustainable tourism and setting a global precedent in eco-conscious hospitality.
Florence is implementing measures to combat overtourism by banning key lockboxes used for Airbnb rentals in the city center. This is part of a broader 10-point plan aimed at preserving the city's historical value and sustainability amid rising tourist numbers. Other measures include prohibiting unconventional vehicles and loudspeakers used by tour guides. The initiative aims to maintain Florence as a unique and vibrant city for both residents and visitors.
Greek tourism is expected to see a 25% growth in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to SETE President Yiannis Paraschis. Speaking at the "Reimagine Tourism in Greece" conference, Paraschis highlighted Greece’s strong recovery, with arrivals up 11% and revenues up 5.5%-6% from January to July 2023. He also addressed challenges like overtourism in popular destinations and called for a focus on value for money and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
Greece is poised to become a top luxury travel destination, with the government prioritising the development of high-end tourism. At the 2nd Luxury Tourism Conference in Santorini, experts highlighted the growing demand for personalised experiences that showcase Greece’s rich culture and natural beauty. The government is focusing on improving infrastructure and diversifying tourism offerings, while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Greece has been flagged in the first overtourism index, leading Evaneos to drop Mykonos and Santorini from its offerings starting in 2025. The index, developed by Roland Berger and Evaneos, highlights Greece's severe vulnerability to excessive tourism, prompting calls for better tourist flow management and off-peak travel promotion.
Crete has been recognized as the top destination for culinary experiences in Greece, according to INSETE Intelligence's latest study. The report, covering Q2 2024, highlights that all Greek regions scored over 9, with Thessaly and Western Macedonia leading the rankings. The study, which analysed over 178,000 reviews, emphasises Greece’s high visitor satisfaction and strong performance in cultural experiences, gastronomy, and seaside enjoyment, despite challenges like rising temperatures and wildfires.
Alonnisos has been recognised as one of the top 10 unspoiled "pearls" of the Mediterranean by the Italian website thewom.it. Known for its pristine coastline and protected marine park, the island offers visitors unique diving experiences and rare wildlife. Alonnisos continues to attract international travellers seeking sustainable tourism and authentic, nature-based vacations.