METRON Sustainable Tourism
SETE, recognizing the need for a sustainable and competitive tourism product, proceeded with the development of a voluntary self-regulation initiative for the tourism sector.
The name of the initiative is METRON Sustainable Tourism Powered By SETE, and its goal is to shape the Greek product based on the authentic values of Greek tourism, so that it remains competitive and sustainable, keeping Greece in the top positions of the tourism market.
WHAT IT IS
An initiative for self-regulation and the transition of businesses in the tourism sector to sustainable operations. METRON Sustainable Tourism is a comprehensive program of voluntary commitment, self-assessment, monitoring, training, compliance, goal setting, reassessment, and verification.
The co-creation of the initiative is the result of a team effort, carried out with the support of SETE members, in collaboration with INSETE and Marketing Greece, as well as specialized consultants in sustainability programs.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE NAME
The choice of the name is based on the Greek word “Μέτρον”, which means measurement, proportion, and rule, and is associated with the concepts of sustainability because, without measure and rules, sustainability cannot exist.
ΤOOLS
The initiative has 7 tools:
- Digital Platform for Self-Assessment and Verification of Tourism Sector Businesses: This is the main tool, initially aimed at measuring 5 key indicators: energy consumption, water consumption, waste production and management, labor issues, and social issues. The digital platform will initially cover business measurements in 5 sectors: accommodation, aviation, maritime transport, land transport, and travel agencies / tour operators. Businesses that meet the requirements will be able to issue a verification certificate from an accredited inspection body.
- Stewardship Board: A think tank with the participation of personalities from the fields of business, science, economics, public life, and sustainability, aimed at proposing ways in which tourism can develop while respecting and protecting the environment, society, and the economy.
- Task Force: A working group consisting of professionals with experience in the sustainability sector, the task force will provide best practices and knowledge in areas such as academia, business, institutions, and NGOs and discuss practical sustainability issues.
- Ambassadors: Selected personalities of common approval who inform the public, encourage, and support the use of sustainable practices, identify and showcase examples of sustainable practices and projects, and encourage others to adopt similar approaches. They serve as role models by adopting sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives.
- Webinars: Online seminars covering practical sustainability issues.
- Toolkit of Studies and Best Practices (with the support of INSETE): Guidelines, reports, studies, and best practices aimed at further familiarizing businesses with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
- Promotion and Visibility Actions (with the support of Marketing Greece): Aimed at raising awareness and educating about the concept of sustainability.
WHO IS IT FOR
From September to December 2024, the platform operated in a pilot phase with the participation of 50 selected businesses, Members of SETE.
Starting in early 2025, the digital platform will be available to SETE Member – businesses operating in five tourism sectors: accommodation, aviation, maritime transport, land transport, and travel agencies / tour operators.
INITIATIVE ADVANTAGES
- Economy: Contribution to GDP, impact on different sectors, and influence on seasonality.
- Employment: Contribution to the labor market, inclusivity, and structural aspects (education, retraining, talent attraction).
- Infrastructure: New investments, upgrades and expansion, modernization, and promotion of new destinations.
- Environment: Preservation and enhancement of sites, investments in protective technologies, policies/investments for natural resources.
- Culture: Preservation and investment in archaeological sites, promotion of tradition and long-term sustainability, and social cohesion.
