The dynamic progress of the implementation of “The Rhodes Co-Lab – Sustainable Destination” was confirmed by the visit to Rhodes of the CEO of TUI Group, Sebastian Ebel, and the President of TUI Care Foundation, Thomas Ellerbeck, who met with the Governor of the South Aegean, George Hatzimarkos, to assess the progress of the projects and plan the next actions.

The initiative, which aspires to transform Rhodes into the first international model of a sustainable tourist destination, is now moving from the planning phase to the phase of tangible results, with a series of projects already underway and new collaborations that expand its footprint.

A significant development is the inclusion of PPC as a strategic partner in the project, marking the start of an ambitious plan for the development of an integrated electric mobility network on the island. The first phase of the project, which is expected to be implemented in 2026, provides for the installation of 20-25 charging stations for electric vehicles and two-wheelers, creating the conditions for a substantial transformation of travel in Rhodes.

During the meeting, the progress of the home composting program implemented by the South Aegean Regional Office for Waste Management was also presented. To date, 7,810 home composters have been distributed, while the goal is for one third of the island’s residents to implement composting at home within the next three months. At the same time, research is underway in 20 hotel units in Rhodes to record and manage organic waste, with the aim of developing a framework of interventions that will strengthen the circular economy in the tourism sector.

An important step in promoting the project is the creation of the Rhodes Co-Lab exhibition space, the work of which is progressing normally. This is an interactive information and experience space, where residents and visitors will be able to learn about the innovative practices implemented in Rhodes in the sectors of energy, hospitality, transportation and cruising.