Study Visit in Greece within the frame of the DETOCS project
During the period of 23rd and 24th of October 2024, an Exchange of Experiences Event and project partners’ meeting within the framework of the project DETOCS – „DEcarbonising the TOurism Industry Post Covid-19 Support“ was organized in Chania, Crete, Greece.
At the start of the event, а review of the project and instructions on the event objectives were carried out. Success stories and good practices such as solutions and policy improvements were presented.
Project partners and their stakeholders visited three hotels — Renieris Hotel, Hotel Halepa, and Euphoria Resort — to observe their sustainable energy practices.
The Renieris Hotel is a small, family-run establishment located in Stalos village, approximately 7 kilometres west of Chania. The hotel has a capacity of 52 beds and covers around 1,000 m², operating for seven months each year. The Renieris Hotel has made significant investments in energy efficiency, including:
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Systems;
- Efficient Lighting and Insulation;
- Modern Energy Optimisation.
Situated in the historic suburb of Halepa, around 1.5 kilometres east of Chania’s centre, Hotel Halepa operates year-round. Known for its historical and diplomatic significance, Halepa is home to a hotel that blends heritage with sustainability.
Located in the municipality of Platanias, around 20 kilometres west of Chania, Euphoria Resort is a luxurious summer destination with 344 rooms and suites, spanning a large area. The resort has the following integrated advanced energy management and renewable energy systems to maintain its high sustainability standards:
- Building Management System (BMS)
- Solar Energy and Renewable Investments
- Heat Recovery and High-Efficiency Equipment
All three hotels have prioritised insulating their buildings, including roofs, facades, and windows, to minimise energy loss. They also use energy-efficient LED lighting across their premises. All three hotels have installed solar PV systems for electricity production.
During the study visits, participants observed various sustainable energy technologies adopted by these hotels, which could potentially be replicated in their own regions.
On this experience exchange event of the DETOCS project in Chania, Crete, the different approaches chosen by these three strellar hotels to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency were showcased.
The DETOCS project’s mission to decarbonise the tourism industry very much aligns with the efforts of Renieris Hotel, Hotel Halepa, and Euphoria Resort. Participants of the meeting left not only informed but inspired by these real-life examples of sustainable practices in Crete.
The event concluded with an organized discussion about the next activities and definition of the upcoming project meetings.
