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Initiative

Together for Sustainability: The Collaboration of Cactus Hotels with ReHORECA

Together for Sustainability: The Collaboration of Cactus Hotels with ReHORECA
SUBMITTED FROM:

THEOFILOS CHALKIADAKIS S.A.

The company Theofilos Chalkiadakis S.A. has been active in the hospitality industry since 1980. The investments of all these years in the construction of new modern hotel units are many. It is worth noting that the company has invested in the construction of two new hotel complexes in the last two years, with Cactus Bay welcoming its guests in the summer season of 2018 and continuing with Cactus Mare in the summer season of 2019 while at the same time they continue the renovations and the creation of additional infrastructure at Cactus Royal 5 * & Cactus Beach 4 *.



Objective Action

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with ReHORECA, with Mr. Nikos Chalkiadakis (CEO of Cactus Hotels) as a founding member, aims to create a model of cooperation that promotes the circular economy and social responsibility. Its main objective is to develop joint actions that strengthen responsible resource management, recycling, and reuse of materials, while cultivating a culture of collaboration among hotels, suppliers, employees, and the local community.

Through this cooperation, the initiative seeks to achieve:

  1. the exchange of know-how and best practices,
  2. the active participation of employees and partners,
  3. the awareness of the local community and hotel guests,
  4. and the creation of a positive social and environmental footprint that goes beyond tourism activity.
 

Target Audience

The initiative is addressed to:

  • the employees of Cactus Hotels, encouraging them to actively participate in actions of cooperation and sustainable management,
  • suppliers and partners, fostering responsible practices of production, supply, and consumption,
  • the local community of Heraklion and Crete, through awareness, training, and educational activities,
  • the hotel guests, who become co-participants in the philosophy of circular economy and social responsibility,
  • and finally, the broader tourism industry, as a best practice example that can inspire similar synergies.
 

Duration

Implemented since July 2025 and ongoing, with continuous action, monitoring, and improvements across all Cactus Hotels.

 


Description

The initiative of Cactus Hotels in collaboration with ReHORECA, with Mr. Nikos Chalkiadakis (CEO of Cactus Hotels) as a founding member, was founded on the need to create an innovative cooperation model that unites businesses, employees, suppliers, and the local community with sustainability as its goal. The concept is based on the power of collective action, where circular economy and social responsibility become a shared commitment.

Implementation includes the creation of a joint framework of action, training programs, responsible waste management systems, and the promotion of reuse and recycling practices. An innovative element of this initiative is that it directly connects the hospitality sector with a broader network of stakeholders, suppliers, and partners, creating an active hub of cooperation that can serve as a model for the entire tourism industry.


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Impact on Society

The collaboration between Cactus Hotels and ReHORECA has already delivered significant and measurable results, strengthening the environmental and social impact of the initiative.

Indicative measurable results:

  • Waste reduction: 65% reduction in landfill waste through recycling and reuse.
  • Recycling and recovery of materials: 113 tons of organics and packaging collected for recycling in the first two months.
  • Staff participation: More than 88% of employees were trained and actively engaged.
  • Guest awareness: Over 85% of visitors participated in activities and were informed about sustainability practices.

Impact on the Audience:

  1. Employees adopted sustainable practices in their daily work, building a culture of responsibility.
  2. Guests were encouraged to actively participate in circular economy practices, enriching their hospitality experience.
  3. The local community benefited from awareness campaigns and clean-up actions, while the initiative created a replicable model for other hospitality businesses.


Initiative Location

All Cactus Hotels in Stalida, Crete, Greece, covering guest facilities, common areas, and operational units, in collaboration with ReHORECA.

 


Working with Organization

The initiative is implemented in close cooperation with ReHORECA, a specialized organization in the field of circular economy and sustainable waste management in hospitality and catering.
ReHORECA provides know-how, tools, and methodologies for waste management and circular practices, while strengthening staff training and raising awareness among guests and the local community.
Mr. Nikos Chalkiadakis, CEO of Cactus Hotels and founding member of ReHORECA, ensures that the collaboration has a strategic direction, linking hotel operations with a wider network of partners and community organizations to create collective and measurable positive impact.


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Workers Participation

The initiative is based on the active participation of Cactus Hotels employees, who are trained and encouraged to adopt circular economy and sustainable waste management practices in their daily work. Key actions include:

  • Staff training in waste separation, recycling, and reuse.
  • Creation of monitoring teams that oversee the implementation of new processes.
  • Voluntary participation in beach clean-ups, community awareness campaigns, and sustainability events.
  • Dialogue and idea exchange among departments, for the continuous improvement of practices.

This participation not only enhances the effectiveness of the initiative but also cultivates a culture of environmental responsibility that positively influences hotel guests.


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Benefits for Οrganization

The initiative has provided multiple benefits to Cactus Hotels, both operational and strategic:

Operational benefits:

  1. Reduced waste management costs through higher recycling rates and less landfill waste.
  2. More efficient use of resources, with a positive impact on operating costs.
  3. Enhanced environmental and energy performance, complementing existing sustainability actions (BMS, photovoltaics, LED, water consumption reduction).

Strategic benefits:

  1. Strengthened corporate reputation: the program positions Cactus Hotels as a model of sustainable collaboration in the Greek hospitality sector.
  2. Recognition with awards and certifications, including the Gold Award at the Environmental Awards 2024.
  3. Stronger relationships with customers, partners, and the local community as a result of collective engagement with sustainability.

Indicative measurable results:

  • 65% waste reduction during the first months of implementation (July–August 2025).
  • Recycling/recovery of 113 tons of materials (paper, glass, plastic, organics).
  • More than 400 employees trained and actively involved in the initiative.

The initiative not only reduces the hotels’ environmental footprint but also creates a culture of sustainable development, strengthening the competitiveness and social responsibility of Cactus Hotels.




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