The next TUI Forest is being created on Rhodes
Reforestation following forest fires: TUI is committed to biodiversity and local communities
Project by the TUI Care Foundation and Rhodes Co-Lab
TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel visits Rhodes Co-Lab project: “For TUI, it’s always about bringing positive, long-term change.”
The Greek Orthodox monastery of Panagia Ypseni is one of the places that was particularly hard hit by the fires. The surrounding vegetation was almost completely destroyed. Today, the monastery is at the heart of the reforestation efforts and symbolises a new beginning for the region. Together with local partners, olive, carob, cypress and cedar trees are being planted there. The selected species are intended to strengthen the resilience of the ecosystem whilst creating new habitats for flora and fauna.
“The TUI Forest on Rhodes combines nature conservation with a long-term commitment to the region. The aim is to support the natural regeneration of the landscape and make a sustainable contribution to the preservation of biodiversity on Rhodes,” says TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel. The project demonstrates how joint action by local stakeholders, organisations and supporters can help to strengthen areas affected by the consequences of extreme natural events in the long term and preserve them for future generations.
A total of 3,060 trees will be planted, including 2,000 olive trees, 500 carob trees, 500 cypresses and 60 zitia trees. In addition, a modern irrigation and fire protection infrastructure is being developed, along with an education and information centre funded by the South Aegean Regional Government, which will in future bring together environmental education, voluntary work and visitor programmes.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the project also creates tangible social and economic opportunities for the region. The restoration of these areas helps to reduce soil erosion, promote biodiversity and strengthen the landscape’s resilience to future fires. At the same time, around 45 jobs are being created or safeguarded, whilst the local population gains a long-term source of income through the management of the new olive groves. Together with the local project partner Gia Ti Fisi and numerous volunteers, TUI Forest Rhodes also aims to offer visitors the opportunity to actively experience the island’s natural environment and get involved in its protection themselves.
About TUI Group
The TUI Group is a leading global tourism group. The group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. The TUI Group offers its more than 34.7 million customers integrated services from a single source and covers the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns more than 460 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue, and Robinson, as well as 18 cruise ships, ranging from the luxury class MS Europa and MS Europa 2 and the HANSEATIC class expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in the UK. The group also includes leading European tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft, and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises through successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental, and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, education and training, and the strengthening of environmental and social standards with projects in 30 countries. In this way, it supports the development of holiday destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
