Nine small and large businesses in the hospitality and catering sector were awarded on Tuesday at the 'Zero Waste HoReCa Champions Awards 2024'.

According to a statement from the AKTI Research Center, which organized the competition, the businesses were recognized for their innovative sustainable practices integrated into their operations, including waste management, energy and water use, and the promotion of sustainable practices in their supply chain.

Standing out among 320 entries submitted by members of the Zero Waste HoReCa Network, the 9 winners 'put into practice the program's commitment to advancing Cyprus' tourism industry towards a greener and more sustainable future,' the statement said.

Criteria for awarding businesses include environmental impact, sustainability performance, innovation, and social responsibility, evaluated by an independent committee.

In the large business category, the winners were:

Sustainability Award - Capo Bay Hotel, Protaras

Innovation Award - Mayfair Hotel, Paphos

Social Responsibility Award - Olympic Lagoon, Ayia Napa

Environmental Responsibility Award - Atlantica Sungarden, Ayia Napa

Commendation - Newcomer - Kapetanios Odysseia Hotel, Limassol

In the small business category, the winners were:

Sustainability Award - Charalambos Holiday Cottage, Kalavasos, Larnaca

Environmental Responsibility Award - Mastros Amargeti, Paphos

Innovation Award - Christoudia Winery, Kato Drys, Larnaca

Commendation - Rising Star - To Kafeneio tou Iakobou, Kalavasos, Larnaca

According to the AKTI announcement, representing the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Dimitriou, DISY MP Savvia Orfanidou congratulated this year's sustainability champions for their good practices that bring Cyprus' tourism industry closer to a green transition, and also acknowledged the AKTI Research Center for its actions in Cyprus and abroad. According to the organizers, Ms. Orfanidou stated, 'All this effort proves that Cyprus' tourism industry both wants and can move towards a green transition and contribute to the fight against the climate crisis.'

Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou, after congratulating the sustainability champions, emphasized the need for action at the local level in Cyprus communities to curb the onslaught of the climate crisis.

Dr. Xenia Loizidou, President of the Board of Directors of the AKTI Research Center, emphasized that the actions of these businesses are beacons of hope for the urgent need to lead Cyprus' tourism industry towards sustainable development, stressing that sustainability is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible result of applied practices and solutions.

In his address, Andreas Yiortsios, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Cyprus, congratulated the winners and underscored the contribution of the Zero Waste HoReCa program to Cyprus. 'We encourage and admire the adoption of best sustainability practices by more and more businesses in the hospitality and catering sector in Cyprus,' he said.

The competition is organized by AKTI Center for Studies and Research with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation and aims to promote sustainable practices in Cyprus' tourism industry."