Subsidies for “green” hotels would reach 45%, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The department stated this on the occasion of the launch of “Green Tourism” programme, which is subsidized by the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF).
The program has a total budget of 30 million euro. It aims to strengthen the existing business projects of hotels, camping and rented rooms and apartments, which have been operating before January 1st, 2009.
Specifically, companies can achieve:
1. Reduction of operating costs by saving energy, water and integrated waste management
2. High quality services – Attraction of new customers
3. Ecological certification
4. Enhancement of environmental awareness
5. Strengthening of corporate social responsibility
It should be noted that the investment projects are funded by the programme “Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship” of the Ministry of Development.
Specifically, the funding supports: improvement of energy efficiency of buildings and use of Renewable Energy, development and implementation of water conservation system, integration of waste management (solid and liquid waste), integration of environmental/energy-efficient technologies and machinery, development of “green” policies and procedures, integration of environmental standards and, finally, awareness and promotion of environmental “profiles” of subsidized companies.
The total budget per project may vary from 15,000 up to 400,000 euro.
State funds a 40% of the total investment. Especially, on small islands with a population less than 3,100 residents, state’s funding can reach 45%.
Interested entrepreneurs should submit their proposing projects electronically until February 25, 2011, through the website www.ependyseis.gr/mis.
Additionally, those interested in participating in the program can obtain information from the following websites: www.visitgreece.gr, www.yppo.gr, www.espa.gr, www.ependyseis.gr, www.antagonistikotita.gr and: www.efepae.gr, and call center 801-11-36-300.
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