Metaxa Hospitality Group: Sustainable Development Strategy on solid foundations towards 2030
Metaxa Hospitality Group has set its integrated Strategy for Sustainable Development on even more solid foundations. In 2023, the Group was one of the first in the Greek hotel market to record the carbon footprint of its entire value chain (Scope 1, 2 and 3), aiming to reduce total emissions by 42% by 2030.
According to the recently released Sustainable Development Report 2023, which adheres to the latest international GRI standards, all hotels and building facilities of Metaxa Hospitality Group are electrified almost exclusively (99.3%) by renewable energy sources of guaranteed origin.
Prioritizing the contribution to climate stability, in 2023 the Group accelerated the green energy transition throughout its infrastructure, investing in new RES and modern energy saving systems, while reducing 99% of indirect emissions from electricity consumption (Scope 2 - market-based). Additionally, the Group continued its innovative programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing biodiversity, ecosystems, and soil health in Crete and Santorini, where it operates.
Sustainability at the core of the Group's business strategy
Through the program “Regenerating Lassithi Plateau and its People | Towards a sustainable food destination©”, Metaxa Hospitality Group is co-creating a sustainable food management system in hospitality services. This program delivers measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits. As part of the program, local producers are trained on site by specialized agronomists on regenerative principles. The products they produce are then delivered to the Group’s hotels and are used to enhance the high-quality culinary experiences offered to guests. This initiative of Metaxa Hospitality Group is implemented since November 2023 in collaboration with the Agricultural Cooperative of the Lassithi Plateau, with contributions from Local Food Experts®.
In 2023, Metaxa Hospitality Group also continued its "Sustainable Hotel Farming" program for the third consecutive year, cultivating certified organic-regenerative crops in the organic gardens of its hotels. These gardens are certified under EU Regulation 2018/848 for Organic Agriculture, and they produce a variety of local plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs further supporting biodiversity and soil health. More than 30,000 meals were offered by the hotels’ restaurants and bars in 2023 from these high nutritional-value products grown in the Group’s certified gardens.
Metaxa Hospitality Group also continued its pioneering "Sustainable Supplies – Action for a Sustainable Future" initiative. Launched in 2021, the program trains partners and suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. The Group plans to apply ESG criteria to its entire supply chain over the next three years.
Initiatives for better environmental management
In 2023, the Group implemented a new photovoltaic park in Northern Greece (Kilkis) and installed another at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris in Ammoudara, Heraklion, in addition to the existing system which has been operating at Creta Maris Resort since 2021. In all the Group’s hotel units, the use of energy-saving systems and practices was expanded, including thermal solar panels, energy recovery systems, LED lighting, and energy-efficient equipment. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available in every hotel.
The Group diverted 309 tons of waste from landfill in 2023 through recycling, reuse, and composting. It also implemented 16 sustainable water management practices and expanded recycling of paper, plastic, glass, and metals. The Group further supported the local flora and fauna with "Green Roofs" creating autonomous planted ecosystems on 4,422 sq.m. of rooftop space in its Santorini hotels, while also continuing coastal and marine biodiversity conservation efforts in Crete and Santorini.
Supporting the economy and society - Focusing on employees
In 2023, the Group distributed €52,034,000 in direct economic value, a 6.2% annual increase. It collaborated with 1,356 suppliers, 89% of whom are from Greece. With deep roots in Crete, where it has been operating since 1975, the Group sources 80% of its workforce locally. The Group’s Human Resources grew to 952 employees in 2023, an 18.4% increase from 2022.
Metaxa Hospitality Group prioritizes a healthy and safe work environment, offering fair compensation, benefits and transparent performance evaluations, while also promoting equal opportunities and protecting human rights. In 2023, the Group increased employee training hours by 23.3%, with an average of 21.6 hours for women and 16.1 hours for men.
In 2023, the Group more than doubled its annual social work expenditure, supporting 15 initiatives in social solidarity, culture, sports, volunteering, and education.
Regarding the Sustainability Report 2023, the CEO of Metaxa Hospitality Group Mr. Andreas Metaxas, stated:
"Sustainability is a top priority for the Group and guides our business decisions throughout our 49 years of operation. In 2023, we achieved significant milestones within our comprehensive long-term Strategy for Sustainable Development. We continue to improve environmental management across our hotels, create a sustainable food management system, and support local communities and economies. With the dedication and responsibility demonstrated by our people, we remain committed to sustainable hospitality."
