The Ministry of Tourism and Google announced their new partnership to accelerate the green and sustainable transformation of Greece's tourism industry, in the context of the Delphi Economic Forum. The cooperation includes the creation of a new training programme for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. The program will be implemented in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). At the same time, Google announced the Funding of EUR 1 million Dollars from Google.org. The aim is to support organisations that help social enterprises in Greece, with an emphasis on sustainability and ecotourism.

The transition of the Greek tourism industry to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly development model is a key priority in addressing the inevitable consequences of the climate crisis. According to new research conducted by the Institute of Tourism Research and Forecasting (FORTH) on behalf of Google and Hotel Chamber of Greece , three out of four hotel owners consider the implementation of sustainability practices critical for the future of their business. 79% express interest in obtaining sustainability certification. However, only 41% consider their level of knowledge about sustainability practices to be satisfactory.

On the basis of the above findings, the new training program of the Ministry of Tourism and Google, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), it will launch in April and will be available at no cost. Its aim is to support small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in the their path to sustainable development. Key features of the program, which is new pillar of Google's initiative «Grow Greece with Google», is :

• effective communication by businesses of their environmental actions
• the creation of a sustainability strategy
• obtaining a sustainability certification
• the investigation of funding sources for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises
• learning best practices for water and energy saving and rational waste management

Funding of 1 million euros from Google

In addition, Google.org, which is the charitable arm of Google, offers Funding of EUR 1 million Dollars to support organizations that help social enterprises run by underrepresented communities and which focus on sustainable solutions and ecotourism in Greece. This support comes at the right time. According to a Euromonitor survey, over 70% of travellers around the world were more interested in sustainable travel options in 2021 (compared to 2020). They even stated that now they seek to continue them. Through a careful selection of projects from one or more beneficiaries, which will be announced later this year, Google.org funding will ensure that social entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities and remote areas of Greece have the opportunity to participate in the creation of effective solutions that will benefit their communities.

Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Tourism

"Our strategy to shift the country to a sustainable tourism model, in addition to government actions to achieve sustainability goals, goes through similar partnerships like the one we are announcing today with Google. Through the educational program, tourism professionals become part of this effort. The commitment to strengthen institutions and social enterprises that deal with sustainability mobilizes wider groups in a common effort for the future of Greek tourism".

Matt Brittin President Google in Europe, Middle East and Africa

"Sustainable tourism has never been more important than today. Both for travelers and for the planet. This transition, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, is complex. That is why we actively support it through our products, initiatives and the funding we offer. Our cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism is based on our broader commitment to support sustainable development in Greece."

Randy Durband Managing Director GSTC

"In order for tourism businesses to be able to operate in terms of sustainability, their staff should be aware of what this means. It should also be committed to the continuous expansion and improvement of its knowledge. In this regard, GSTC is delighted to support Google's efforts to bring such capabilities to the tourism industry."