Under the guidance of Emmanouil Manousos, the Cyan Apollonia Beach & Spa Resort in Crete has undertaken 360-degree initiatives demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainability by addressing the challenges of climate change with the objective of leading the way in sustainable tourism in Crete.
In general, the corporate environmental policy of the Cyan hotel group aims at lowering the carbon footprint; reducing food waste, plastic, packages; reducing the consumption of electricity, water, paper; and last but not least recycling.
“This is not a project, it is part of our DNA and company philosophy – comments Manousos –Additionally, we have created a competitive advantage because many eco-oriented or vegan guests find exactly what they look for in our hotel”.
Manousos addressed both sides of the issue: technological and social. New energy-saving
measures were implemented for lighting, heating and cooling through the use of solar energy, biogas , and state-of-the-art appliances. Issues such as reduction of water consumption, food waste andsingle-use plastics were also tackled.
The hotel park was enlarged and reforested. A special tour through the park was created for the guests with information about the heritage and the story of the plants. Electric golf caddies are used throughout the property and free-of-charge bicycles are provided to the guests. Vegetables and herbs are grown in a bio-garden, which once a week is taken care of by the children participating in the kids’ club. A vegan restaurant, “Avocado”, was opened in 2019. All waste food generated by the hotel is transferred to an organization that transforms it into animal feed through an innovative process.
Guests are kept informed and are involved in the hotel’s eco-activities; all employees are trained and informed on all critical activities related to sustainability. The Apollonia Beach Hotel contributes to the local community through donations, charity and social projects. It is co-founder of the certification “We do local” which supports the area’s economy and promotes the local culture and gastronomy.
As a result of these activities, the Apollonia Resort was able to get numerous certifications and awards for respecting the environment.
A jury comprised of EHMA Treasurer Johanna Fragano; Daniel Daggett, a Diversey sustainabilityexpert; Arjan van Rheede, Hotelschool The Hague, chose this year’s winner.
Besides Emmanouil Manousos, this year’s candidates were:
• Rudi Jagersbacher, President at Hilton Worldwide, Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean,
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, Seychelles, (local implementation of Travel with
Purpose, Hilton’s corporate responsibility strategy to redefine and advance sustainable travel
globally);
• Wilhelm Luxem – General Manager, Baur au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland, (heating and
cooling project using water from the Lake of Zurich);
• Feliks Mägus, General Manager, Nordic Hotel Forum, Tallinn, Estonia (the first hotel
engaged in urban beekeeping in the very heart of the capital);
• Ilio Rodoni, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, Italy (“Planting a New Forest”, a wildlife
environmental restoration project after the Vaja storm in 2018).
