Cyprus Gets Green with Big UK Operators

SEE Thos Cook’s Jo Baddeley talking Rubbish
 

UK tour operators  TUI, Thomas Cook, the Co-operative Travel, Cosmos and Sunvil involved in project.

Cyprus plans to lead the way in sustainable tourism amongst mainstream destinations, with a new five-year programme to protect the environment and benefit local people.

Sue Hurdle explaining the initiative at Travel Foundation’s AGM

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has entered into a five-year partnership with sustainable tourism charity, the Travel Foundation and the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative to help it deliver real economic benefits to local people, conserve the natural environment, and promote local culture and heritage.  

The new initiative was announced, amongst others at this year’s Travel Foundation annual gathering.

Planned projects include the development of minimum sustainability standards for hotels to reduce water and energy use on the island, helping to relieve severe water shortages and reduce carbon emissions.   The partnership will also create initiatives to stimulate rural enterprise and to reduce the amount of solid waste from tourism businesses that goes into landfill.
 

Alecos Orountiotis, Chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation said ‘Cyprus is renowned for its stunning coastline, wonderfully hospitable people and its sunny climate, our hope is that this new partnership will help us to build on existing sustainability programmes to ensure that the island is also seen as a leading mainstream destination for sustainable tourism.  Our aim for the five-year programme is to incorporate sustainability into the heart of Cyprus’ tourism development’.

 
Sue Hurdle, chief executive of the Travel Foundation said  ‘This destination partnership is the first of its kind – it involves a significant, long-term commitment from the three organizations, which will help local people and protect the environment – and we’re delighted to be a part of it.

 ‘Cyprus is in an excellent position to show how an old favourite can adapt to the changing needs of holidaymakers.  With more customers looking for quality and that special something from their holiday destination, a focus on conserving and promoting the country’s beautiful natural environment, plus its archaeological and cultural heritage will ensure it maintains its place in the hearts of British holiday makers.’

The Travel Foundation and Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative run a number of existing projects in Cyprus which are supported by UK tour operators such as TUI, Thomas Cook, the Co-operative Travel, Cosmos and Sunvil.  These include the development of six self-drive village routes which are helping to bring life back into rural areas and a scheme to reduce the use of plastic.

 
Earlier last week, The Travel Foundation won one of the most prestigious accolades to be awarded in the UK charity sector at The Charity Awards 2010.

Founder James Skinner and chief executive Sue Hurdle collected the award at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in front of 1,000 of the charity world’s most senior representatives and celebrity guests including Jo Brand, Greta Scacchi, Lynda Bellingham, Jon Snow and Peter Bowles, who presented awards in 10 separate categories.  

 
The Charity Award judges recognised The Travel Foundation for the invaluable work it does helping the travel industry to understand, manage and take effective action on sustainable tourism helping to protect and enhance the environment and to improve the well-being of communities at the heart of travel destinations.  

Valere Tjolle

Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite, special offer at: www.travelmole.com/stories/1142003.php