Eleni Andreadis at the 8th Delphi Economic Forum:
«ESG platform is an opportunity for Greece and the Mediterranean to drive sustainable hospitality growth»

Thessaloniki, 3 May 2023 – The role of the hospitality industry in promoting sustainability  and the opportunities arising for Greece and the wider Mediterranean region to drive sustainable hospitality growth via the ESG platform (Environment, Society, Government), were the key areas of Eleni Andreadis, ESG Director, Sani/Ikos Group speech during the 8th Delphi Economic Forum that took place April 26-29 at the ancient town of Delphi, under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakelaropoulou.

“Challenges and externalities to the Mediterranean region will be huge for the hospitality sector; at same time we can protect and promote our rich tourist product – climate, biodiversity, coastline, history, culture – through a robust long term ESG strategy”, stated Eleni Andreadis, adding that “The tools offered by the state, EU Green Deal, the EU and Greek framework, along with the performance demanded by all stakeholders, offer the opportunity to create a sustainable hospitality product and even get ahead in the competition as a country”.

“Investors, regulatory bodies, guests, employees, local communities, all are constantly raising the bar around environmental performance, diversity, welfare, transparency, and they want proof”, said Eleni Andreadis. “Young employees want to work for companies that are not just responsible but are doing good; guests -a 75% according to recent booking.com study- want to choose sustainable hospitality products, they do not want to pay more for it, they demand it of a brand they choose. There is also evidence that investors are willing to make bigger investments when the ESG risks are better managed”. 

Asked about the areas where hospitality companies need to focus when it comes to ESG, Ms. Andreadis pointed out energy efficiency, carbon emissions, water conservation and waste as well as food waste reduction. Sani/Ikos Group has set ambitious targets in all those areas. Via its Sani Green and Ikos Green flagship sustainability programs, the Group has made significant investments in new technologies and advanced systems, aiming for Net Zero by 2030, Zero Plastic and Zero Waste to landfill by 2024 across its footprint. “Our sustainability strategy is based on specific policies and targets in line with the UN 17 Sustainable Responsibility Goals 2030. We have adopted over 100 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor our ESG performance, while annual performance is audited by external parties and published at the Sani/Ikos ESG Report which is in line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and reflects the Group’s overall sustainability strategy and vision” said Eleni Andreadis.

Eleni Andreadis - Bio

Eleni Andreadis is ESG Director at Sani/Ikos Group, owner of Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts. She earned her Masters at Harvard University focusing on Environmental Policy and Media, and has consulted on sustainability issues for various companies, as well as presented, produced and consulted for channels and media organisations in the UK, US and Greece. Eleni is a member of the Greek Leadership Council of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN). 

About Sani/Ikos Group

The Sani/Ikos Group is an innovative and fast-growing group of luxury resorts in unique beachfront locations in the Mediterranean. Under the brand names Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts, the Group develops, owns and operates over 3,450 rooms and suites spread across 12 unique resorts in Greece and Spain, all ranked amongst the best luxury resorts in the world. The Group has secured additional projects of almost 1,000 rooms, suites and villas for further expansion of the Ikos brand in Greece (Crete) and Portugal (Algarve), with launch planned in 2025 while new destinations are being added in the pipeline. The Sani/Ikos Group aims to continue expanding the Sani Resort and Ikos Resorts brands in Greece and abroad, delivering unparalleled guest hospitality and experiences, as well as creating growth opportunities for its people, significant benefits for the ecosystems surrounding its resorts and value for its investors. As a leader in sustainable hospitality, the Group has an ambitious ESG agenda and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. For more information, visit https://www.saniikos.com/.