The workshop is part of a series of initiatives planned by AIA towards engaging its Stakeholders to further enhance their joint understanding and sustainability-promoting efforts. This first travel retail curated workshop, commenced with a message by the ETRC – European Travel Retail Confederation President, Dr Jennifer Cords, to accelerate the travel Stakeholders’ efforts towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.
The event was honored by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Sofia Zacharaki. "In the new era of tourism that dawns, the urgent need for recovery will increasingly meet the necessity of addressing the challenge of climate change. And the answer can only be: Blue, Green, Digital and Sustainable. It is the way forward for the planet, and in particular for Greece. And it is only through the synergies of the public and private sector that we can achieve this goal for a sustainable future. It is not just an option - it is our duty and obligation for the generations to come." "The role of the travel sector is crucial in this. The sector can contribute immensely in the overall effort to limit emissions and promote a more environmentally friendly model for the travel economy of the future." stated Ms Sofia Zacharaki.
Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) was represented by its General Manager, Ms Maria Gatsou, who noted “This is the time for travel & tourism to seize the moment and enact meaningful changes. SETE is aiming towards 2030 to focus both on its own sustainability transformation and the sector’s coordination through a series of initiatives that will act as a catalyst for a better common future”.
AIA was represented in the Workshop by Mr George Kallimasias, Chief Strategy Officer and Sustainability Lead, who, along with the Vice Chair of the Board of the HTTC - Hellenic Travel Trade Confederation, the Greek Chapter of ETRC, Mr Constantinos Trivyzas, set the tone and welcomed the participants to enjoy and actively participate in an open dialogue with a lineup of distinguished members of the Tourism Community.
AIA’s Chief Strategy Officer, Mr George Kallimasias, pointed out AIA’s genuine and beyond compliance engagement in all aspects of sustainability. “Upon the pandemic outbreak, the Airport Company has successfully managed to maintain business continuity attesting its resilience. The Airport Company already in 2022, is planning to invest in a 16MWp photovoltaic park, the first major step towards AIA’s commitment to net zero emissions under the title ‘ROUTE 2025’. Drawing on our strategic advantages, the tireless efforts of our people and the dedication to our values, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment towards providing sustainable value for all stakeholders” stated Mr George Kallimasias.
HTTC’s Mr Constantinos Trivyzas stressed the importance of passing the knowledge of the travel retail sector to the younger generations, towards creating the ground for a sustainable future, based on highly skilled people with mentality open to intergenerational communication and innovation.
In the panel discussion that took place during the Workshop and was moderated by AIA’s Manager, Retail Services, Mr Argyris Evmorfopoulos, the panelists elaborated on the route to “the next normal” for air travel. They had the opportunity to make a deeper dive into ETRC and Gebr. Heinemann’s Corporate Responsibility strategic approach, as well as get introduced to the renewed scope of Aeroporti di Roma S.p.A. (AdR) towards moving forward to the “twin” digital and green transition.
“Corporate responsibility is part of our values and corporate culture. We act in a committed and future-oriented manner, trusting and reliable towards employees and customers. Our goal is to remain an innovation driver in the Travel Retail market and to continue to surprise travelers with extraordinary offers and sustainable concepts. We have incorporated responsibility in our daily work as a continuous dialogue with customers, business partners and above all our employees. For us, the art of entrepreneurial action lies in carefully weighing up the ecological and social challenges and opportunities in every economic decision.” said Gebr. Heinemann, Corporate Responsibility Lead.
AdR’s representative also made special reference to AIA’s inclusion in the co-signatories of a Memorandum of Understanding (“Airports for Innovation”) aiming to promote European airports’ sustainable growth through joint innovative solutions to the existing and emerging challenges. Institute SETE (INSETE) representative said “Travelers, particularly the younger generations, increasingly value brands and destinations that include sustainability considerations in their core thinking. This will push the air community, as well as governments and local authorities to adopt measures to promote sustainable aviation and sustainable airports, with increasing speed as the younger generations replace the older ones in the mix of passengers”.
The Panelists were ETRC President, Dr Jennifer Cords, INSETE, Research Director, Mr Aris Ikkos,Gebr. Heinemann, Corporate responsibility Lead, Ms Svenja Fischer, Aeroporti di Roma S.p.A.,Vice President, Innovation & Quality, Mr Emanuele Calà.
After the conclusion of the Panel Discussion, the Workshop participants were provided with a networking opportunity over a light lunch at the Media Center of Athens Airport, and a guided tour, organized by AIA’s Communications and Marketing Department, through the airport’s retail areas, as well as to the Air Traffic Control Tower.
