TUI's 250 tour managers in Rhodes are starting to use electric bicycles to transport themselves to work. In total, there are 60 electric and cargo bicycles, which will reduce the need for cars. The pilot project is part of TUI's initiative for sustainable transport in holiday destinations and is part of the sustainability program Destination Co-Lab Rhodes, which will make Rhodes climate neutral by 2030.
Rhodes is an important destination for TUI – both as a travel destination and in developing new sustainability initiatives. Destination Co-Lab Rhodes was established for this purpose. It is the first project in the world where a top destination of this size is tackling the transition to increased sustainability in such a comprehensive way. Experience and initiatives from Co-Lab Rhodes will be transferred to other holiday destinations and can thus promote the industry in its sustainable transition.
Both large strategic initiatives and smaller projects that can be implemented immediately are important for TUI. Both approaches are role models for other destinations and can therefore have a significant impact. For example, TUI's service team on Rhodes is now travelling from hotel to hotel with new bicycles: 30 electric bicycles and 30 cargo bicycles have been delivered to the island's approximately 250 tour guides. The TUI bicycles will help reduce emissions and provide the team with more environmentally friendly transport options. The tour guides on Rhodes will use electric bicycles for distances longer than a 40-minute walk, while regular bicycles will be available to the team for distances longer than 20 minutes. The number of cars available will thus be reduced from over 100 to 60. By 2024, this number will be reduced further. The pilot project brings the island one step closer to its goal of being climate neutral by 2030.
“Short trips by car are increasingly a thing of the past. Colleagues in guest service use e-bikes and regular bicycles when transporting themselves from hotel to hotel on the island. Only for longer distances will they continue to use cars. Co-Lab Rhodes is the perfect place to launch the pilot project and gain insights,” says Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group.
According to the press release.
