The "Zero Waste HoReCa Champions Awards 2023" ceremony, a hallmark event recognizing sustainable practices in the tourism industry of Cyprus, was held with great success. In collaboration between AKTI Project and Research Center and The Coca-Cola Foundation, 20 small tourist enterprises were honored for their innovative approaches to sustainability. Each awarded enterprise received a grant of €500 to implement their groundbreaking proposals.

This initiative is part of the "Zero Waste HoReCa" program, which has made significant strides in environmental preservation. From November 2022 to October 2023, notable achievements included substantial reductions in carbon emissions, water conservation, and waste diversion.

The ceremony, supported by the Commissioner for the Environment's Office, took place at the Strovolos Cultural Center in Nicosia. The criteria for selection were environmental impact, sustainability, innovation, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Commissioner for the Environment, Antonia Theodosiou, emphasized that the awarded enterprises are a testament to the compatibility of successful business practices with sustainable development. Dr. Xenia Loizidou, President of AKTI's Board, expressed her pride in these businesses leading Cyprus's tourism industry towards sustainability.

The Coca-Cola Foundation, a supporter of this initiative, commits to making impactful changes in global communities, focusing on safe water access, climate resilience, disaster response, circular economy, and economic empowerment.

The 20 awarded enterprises are:

1. Maierko, Nicosia - Award Category: Water Management
2. Omni Eats, Nicosia - Award Categories: Waste Management, Public Green Contracts/Supply Chain
3. Grape by the Sea, Kato Pyrgos, Nicosia - Award Category: Water Management
4. Klimataria-Beach Bar Resto, Kato Pyrgos, Nicosia - Award Categories: Water Management, Public Green Contracts/Supply Chain
5. Two Flowers, Pedoulas, Nicosia - Award Categories: Energy Saving, Waste Management, Public Green Contracts
6. O Potamos, Kampi, Nicosia - Award Category: Energy Saving
7. The Royal Goat Farm, Paliometocho, Nicosia - Award Category: Water Management
8. Charalambos Holiday Cottage, Kalavasos, Larnaca - Award Category: Waste Management
9. Amygdalies, Vavla, Nicosia - Award Category: Energy Saving
10. Traditional Flavors Workshop (Giorgoulas), Koili, Paphos - Award Categories: Energy Saving, Waste Management, Public Green Contracts
11. Auli tis Nefelis, Paphos - Award Categories: Water Management, Waste Management
12. Mylari Bistro Tavern, Kritou Tera, Paphos - Award Categories: Water Management, Waste Management
13. The Tremythas of Simou, Simou, Paphos - Award Categories: Waste Management
14. Spring Of Life Forever, Amargeti, Paphos - Award Category: Energy Saving
15. Campo de’ Fiori, Paphos - Award Categories: Energy Saving, Waste Management
16. Taverna Mastro Doras, Limassol - Award Categories: Waste Management, Energy Saving
17. CyHerbia, Avgorou, Famagusta - Award Category: Energy Saving
18. Old Simos Tavern, Sotira, Famagusta - Award Category: Waste Management
19. Taverna Proavlio, Parekklisia, Limassol - Award Category: Water Management
20. Elysian Plant Based Kitchen Bar, Nicosia - Award Categories: Waste Management, Public Green Contracts/Supply Chain

For more information, visit the AKTI Project and Research Center's website: Net Zero in Cyprus and Malta.

Source: Avant Garde