Section ENVIRONMENT
TOPIC

THEOFILOS CHALKIADAKIS S.A.
Cactus Hotels & ReHORECA: Partnership for the Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with the non-profit company ReHORECA aims to create an integrated system of circular economy and waste management in the hotel sector.
The modern trend in the tourism product “imposes” the adoption of sustainability practices and methods, with the least possible environmental burden.
At the same time, the trend in destination choice by visitors/tour operators is shaped on the basis of the environmental characteristics of each property and, more broadly, of the region. According to the GSTC organization, a large percentage of visitors choose accommodations according to their environmental footprint.

Based on a “business-as-usual” scenario developed by the UN Environment Programme, global tourism is expected by 2050 to record an increase of 154% in energy consumption, 131% in greenhouse gas emissions, 152% in water consumption, and 251% in solid waste disposal.

The cooperation with the NGO ReHORECA was established mainly with a vision: to organize and implement a customized model of environmental management in hotel establishments, large catering structures, and staff gathering spaces, with the aim of reducing resource waste. At the same time, it created a way of implementing the necessary actions that can be certified mainly on the basis of results, in order to make the environmental character of each property clear to the guests, with objective measurements on real results (weighing logs), which will lead to top certifications and awards. However, the greatest reward ultimately comes from the guests themselves, those who will choose the Cactus Hotels chain based on the environmental impact, since the goal of reducing the waste of essential and non-renewable resources will be achieved at high levels.

The methods applied are personalized and fully adapted to the needs of each requirement and according to the operation and needs of each property. At the same time, a detailed environmental plan is drawn up, which defines the goals but mainly describes and ensures how these goals will be achieved.
The nature of the cooperation guarantees that the services provided will be absolutely clear, easy to implement, with immediately measurable results and low cost.

Key goals are:

  • Reduction of the environmental footprint through proper management, reduction, and recycling of generated waste.
  • Preparation of a holistic environmental management plan.
  • Coordination of a “green team” and setting of goals.
  • Continuous monitoring on a weekly basis of the plan’s implementation.
  • Training of all staff, not only those directly involved in the program.
  • Direct cooperation with certification bodies for the validation of results (TÜV Austria Zero Waste to Landfill ZWtL).
  • Preparation of reports through specialized partners on bioclimatic design, construction, and energy management.
  • Collection and management of at least 9 waste streams.
  • Provision of basic equipment for the program’s implementation.
  • Collection and management of food that has not become waste in order to be delivered to vulnerable groups and social economy organizations (K.A.l.O.), under HACCP safety conditions.
  • Advice and monitoring for smart reuse of equipment before disposal, or provision of the equipment for social purposes.
  • Services for highlighting the local natural and cultural heritage.
  • Nutritional event programs aimed at showcasing local products.
  • Programs for guiding guests so that the orientation and targeting of the property become clear.
  • Programs for the overall reduction of food, energy, and water waste.
  • Programs for maintaining the quality of beaches and marine ecosystems.
  • Training and activation of staff, partners, and guests in practices of responsible consumption and resource management.
  • Creation of good practices that can serve as a model for Greek tourism and hospitality.
  • Strengthening cooperation with the local community and stakeholders so that the benefits extend beyond the hotels.
  • The joint creation of a GMMO for sustainable tourism in Crete.

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with ReHORECA is addressed to:

  • Employees of the hotel units, with the aim of training and raising their awareness on issues of circular economy and sustainable waste management.
  • Customers and visitors, encouraging them to actively participate in practices of responsible consumption and recycling.
  • Partners, suppliers, and subcontractors, in order to create a common value chain that adopts sustainable practices.
  • The local community and stakeholders, enhancing environmental awareness and promoting sustainable development at a regional level.
  • The hotel and tourism sector, as a good example of implementing circular economy actions that can serve as a model for other businesses.

Implemented from July 2025 to the present, with continuous action, monitoring, and improvements across all Cactus Hotels.

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with ReHORECA, which began in July 2025, was designed with the purpose of adopting an integrated system of circular economy and sustainable waste management in the hotel sector. This cooperation represents a strategic choice, with the CEO of Cactus Hotels, Mr. Nikos Chalkiadakis, as a founding member, and is based on the need to reduce environmental footprint, optimize resource use, and enhance environmental awareness at all operational levels.

Environmental and Waste Management:
Each hotel unit of the group and in general the public service areas generate waste, a large percentage of which can be recycled. The goal is to approach “Zero Waste,” zero waste production to landfill, through a series of partnerships and management measures. The interventions are practical, with daily recording and analysis. They concern daily life and continuous operation (a hotel is considered to need support 12 months a year).

Each hotel produces per guest-night from 1.5 to 3.0 kg of waste, of which 25% could be avoided. The remaining unavoidable waste will be separated and collected daily (according to the stream), with the aim of timely management (timely management produces higher quality secondary, recycled product). Food that has not been served and therefore has not become waste will be delivered to food preparation units for social purposes, and the rest to the respective specialized waste management and circular economy bodies according to ReHORECA contracts and requirements. At the same time, separation of waste from rooms (contractual obligation since 1.1.2023) will be adopted and extended to all areas into separate and distinct streams.

Implementation is based on three pillars:

  1. Innovative waste management practices, with application of systems for recycling, separation, and utilization of materials (separation at source means cleaner materials and thus a higher sales price).
  2. Cooperation with specialized organizations such as ReHORECA, which provides expertise and tools for the application of circular models of operation, with equipment supply and daily guidance during the implementation of the actions.
  3. Training and awareness of employees, partners, and visitors, so that the initiative acquires a long-term and collective impact. The customer assumes their share of responsibility for correct separation even within rooms, with tasteful and detailed informational leaflets.

Innovative/Unique characteristics:

  • The direct connection of hotel operation with circular economy principles, usually applied in industry.
  • The involvement of all stakeholders (employees, suppliers, customers, local community).
  • The creation of a pilot model for the hotel sector, aiming to become a model of good practice for other tourism enterprises in Greece.

The initiative is implemented in cooperation with ReHORECA, a specialized body in the field of circular economy and sustainable waste management in catering and hospitality.

ReHORECA provides:

  1. Expertise and scientific support for the application of integrated circular economy practices.
  2. Innovative tools and methodologies for separation, recycling, and utilization of waste.
  3. Networking and exchange of good practices with other businesses in the sector.

This cooperation enables Cactus Hotels to combine their own commitment to sustainability with the specialization of an organization whose mission is to strengthen circular economy in tourism and hospitality. The CEO of Cactus Hotels, Mr. Nikos Chalkiadakis, participates as a founding member of the initiative, reinforcing the importance of this collaboration both at the operational and strategic level.

Key actions:

  • Staff training in methods of separation, recycling, and reduction of waste.
  • Awareness teams responsible for monitoring the proper application of practices in work areas.
  • Voluntary staff participation in environmental activities, such as beach clean-ups, awareness events, and collaborations with the local community.
  • Dialogue and exchange of ideas between departments, so that improvements and new solutions for strengthening the circular economy can be proposed.

The active participation of the staff not only ensures the effective implementation of the initiative, but also cultivates a culture of environmental responsibility, reflected both in the operation of the hotels and in the guest experience.

Cactus Hotels in Stalida, Crete, Greece, with implementation across all hotels of the group, in collaboration with ReHORECA, covering guest areas, common spaces, and operational units.

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with ReHORECA has already yielded significant and measurable results, strengthening both the environmental performance of the business and the awareness of stakeholders.

Measurable results (indicative):

  • Overnight stays:

July 2025: 49,508
August 2025: 50,068

  • Recovered waste streams (kg):

Total production: July 86,639 | August 87,619
Mixed waste: July 30,323 | August 30,666
Organics: July 33,789 | August 34,171
Recycling: July 22,527 | August 22,782
Plastic: July 5,631 | August 5,695
Cardboard: July 13,516 | August 13,669
Metals: July 2,252 | August 2,278
Other recyclables: July 1,128 | August 1,140

  • Waste reduction: Significant decrease in the volume of waste sent to landfill, with an increase in recycling and reuse rates.
  • Recycling of packaging & organics: More than 113 tons collected and recycled/valorized within the first two months of implementation (July–August 2025).
  • Staff engagement: More than 88% of employees actively participated in training and awareness activities.
  • Guest awareness: More than 99,500 visitors were informed and encouraged to participate in circular economy practices.

Impact:

  • Employees adopted new practices, cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility.
  • Guests engaged in simple daily actions (waste separation, reduction of plastic consumption), enhancing their experience and connecting their stay with sustainability values.
  • The local community benefited from reduced environmental burden and collaborative awareness actions.
  • The hospitality sector acquired a new model of good practice, replicable by other tourism businesses.

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with ReHORECA has substantially strengthened the company’s sustainable strategy and yielded multiple benefits:

Operational benefits:

  1. Reduced waste management costs, through increased recycling rates and reduced landfill waste.
  2. More efficient use of resources, with a positive impact on operating costs.
  3. Improved energy and environmental efficiency, combined with existing sustainability measures (BMS, photovoltaics, LED, water reduction).

Strategic benefits:

  1. Enhanced corporate reputation: Cactus Hotels is established as a pioneer in the Greek hospitality sector for promoting circular economy.
  2. Recognition with awards and certifications: The initiative is part of the broader framework of distinctions of the group, such as the Gold Award at the Environmental Awards 2024: Sustainable Leisure & Tourism.
  3. Strengthened relationships with customers and partners, as sustainability becomes an increasingly important selection criterion.

Measurable results (indicative):

  • Waste reduction by 65% within the first two months (July–August 2025).
  • Recycling/valorization of 113 tons of materials (paper, glass, plastic, organics).
  • Staff participation: Over 90% completed training in the new waste management process.

Beyond measurable environmental and economic benefits, the initiative has created a culture of sustainable development that strengthens the identity and competitiveness of Cactus Hotels in both the Greek and international hospitality market.