Represented by its President Theodore Vokos, the Greek Exhibition Industry Association (SOKEE) took part in the signing of a landmark declaration promising decisive action towards more sustainable travel and tourism operations. The declaration was signed during a meeting among association representatives from the European travel and tourism sector (business and leisure)1 organized on 8-9 April 2024 in Rhodes-Greece, where Mr. Vokos was invited as an Honorary Representative of the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA).
The joint declaration will serve as a roadmap to foster collaboration and help tourism reach its sustainability goals. Today, more than ever, the industry is committing to prioritise decarbonisation, enhance collaboration, and engage with policymakers in meaningful dialogue.
With the EU elections just around the corner, we call on decision-makers to keep travel and tourism high on the political agenda and create dedicated budget lines for sustainable tourism initiatives. The declaration seeks to propel the travel and tourism industry towards a more resilient and sustainable future, while advocating for policy support at the European level.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated: “I would like to express my appreciation for being invited to this important meeting for the signing of this significant declaration that brings together tourism organizations and representatives in an effort to highlight the most crucial issue that the tourism sector faces today.”
Key commitments of the declaration include:
1. Decarbonisation: Implement comprehensive climate action plans at organisational level to minimise environmental impact.
2. Consolidating pledges: Reaffirm and strengthen pledges to achieve decarbonisation targets by 2050, as endorsed in the Glasgow and Toulouse Declarations.
3. Catalysing industry: Foster a culture of awareness and responsibility, by sharing best practices and providing expertise to advance decarbonisation efforts.
4. Supporting SMEs: Assist small and medium-sized enterprises in adapting to climate challenges and accessing funding opportunities for decarbonisation initiatives.
5. Education and training: Support initiatives to upskill and reskill the workforce and tackle sustainable skill gaps.
6. Collaboration: Commit to regular meetings to assess progress and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and shape a viable regulatory landscape with European and national policymakers.
Governor of South Aegean Region George Hatzimarkos said: “The Rhodes Joint Declaration which was signed today by the HOTREC members is an important milestone towards sustainable tourism. As Governor of the South Aegean Region and as State representative, I would like to stress the common efforts of the public and private sectors. Let us all seize the momentum that the Rhodes Declaration creates, with the realization that our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow.”
HOTREC and Hellenic Chamber of Hotels President Mr Alexandros Vassilikos stated: “Climate change puts us all to the test and the tourism sector is no exception. By signing the Rhodes Joint Declaration, the European tourism industry commits to setting a sustainable path and invites the new leadership of European institutions to support sustainable growth of the tourism sector to the benefit of the European economy and society.”
The following organisations endorse this joint declaration: A4E, ACI Europe, CLIA, ECTAA, EEIA, ERA, HOTREC, IAAPA, IRU, Ruraltour.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
• Barbara Weizsäcker, Secretary General, EEIA, barbara.weizsaecker@exhibition-alliance.eu
• Jasper Dober, Media & Communications Manager, HOTREC, jasper.dober@hotrec.eu
