Sustainability Report 2018

GRECOTEL LUX ME WHITE PALACE

C O N T E N T S

OUR COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION Grecotel Hotels & Resorts Environmental program A tribute To Hospitality Energy Awards & Recognition Water List of Hotels Waste and Recycling Chemical Usage OUR HOTEL Welcome Note from General Manager SOCIAL DIMENSION Corporate governance Social Program Location & Facilities Employees Partnerships SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT Local Community The Three Dimensions Clients Sustainability Report 2017 Performance Highlights ECONOMIC DIMENSION We Believe – We Do –We will Economic Program

O U R C O M P A N Y

GRECOTEL HOTELS & RESORTS Hotels and Resorts are mostly proud of its people: Dedicated to mastering the craft of welcoming reliable, kind and welcoming, they have been our luxury in the hospitality industry, Grecotel Hotels loyal companions during our 40-year journey in and Resorts, the leading hotel chain in Greece, Greece’s most exciting luxury travel story delivers sophisticated lifestyle experiences for travelers in the country’s most beautiful A TRIBUTE TO HOSPITALITY destinations. The story of the largest and most successful Greek luxury hotel group is above all personal. Inspired by its superb beachfront location, each of Nikos Daskalantonakis started his long journey in the 30 luxury hotels and resorts in the Grecotel tourism from his birthplace of Rethymno, collection all over Greece, is a unique Crete. Nikos Daskalantonakis, along with his older architectural experience and a paradise of opulent brother Takis, looked further ahead, realizing that amenities, gourmet restaurants and luxurious, well blue skies and sparkling seas were only enough thought-of details, all embodying the essence of to attract visitors’ interest: high standards of the genuine Greek hospitality quality and responsiveness to tourists’ needs were the key to keeping them and to the future. Grecotel is part of the N. Daskalantonakis Group And it’s this vision that powers the Grecotel’s of Companies, which includes among others city unique concept of hospitality that is rooted in and resort affiliated hotels, the Agreco traditional Greek culture and style. farm and line of products from Crete and the Danilia traditional village and museum in Corfu. On entering the tourism business, Nikos Having been awarded with over 2000 international Daskalantonakis adopted a philosophy that has awards by guests and the most prestigious remained unchanged for 40 years: to employ the international tourism organizations, Grecotel most highly-qualified professionals; to offer

genuine Cretan hospitality; to be an innovator in • 2008 - European ʻʼEcolabel for Tourist tourism; to invest and improve the infrastructure in Service” from the Ministry of the the luxury hotel market. Environment • 2008 - Development of Management Today, Grecotel properties occupy prime locations Systems and certification with ISO 22000 around Greece and are far more than just for Health & Safety in Food resorts—they are destinations. Grecotel resorts • 2007 - Accredited with the ISO 14001 on the islands of Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, international certification for Mykonos, and in the prime mainland regions of environmental management Sounio south of Athens, Halkidiki in the north and • The Grecotel Environmental Program was Kyllini in the legendary Peloponnese have their used as an example in the publication own character, from ultra-luxury boutique hotels to Agenda 21 for the Global Travel & magnificent resorts on sprawling estates and Tourism Industry. family-friendly or all-inclusive holiday-lands for • 2001 “Green Planet” of the Swiss Tourism quality vacations or romantic hideaways and Organization KUONI TRAVEL luxurious spas. But they all share three things in • 1996-1999 Hotel plan Environment common: a quality environment, signature service, Award. and singular locations. • 1998 EIBTM “Greening of Business Tourism” Award. It has been more than 40 years since Nikos • 1994 OMEPO award to Grecotel for its Daskalantonakis laid the foundations for Greece’s cultural program premiere luxury resort chain when he opened his • 1994-2010 ''TUI Umwelt Champion'' Most first hotel on Crete. Today, Grecotel is a Environmental Hotel Group Worldwide destination-venue for people from all walks of life from the customers of the largest tourist who through the years have become members of organization in Europe “TUI AG” the family of guests who have enjoyed Grecotel’s • 1992 & 1993 “World Aware Award” from signature hospitality. Through the years, Grecotel Thompson tour operator (UK). has created memories for you and you have • 1993 ''Philoxenia Award'' from the Greek helped us reach our milestones. Government for the company contribution

to quality tourism, upgrading the tourism AWARDS & RECOGNITION product and taking initiatives in the field of

environment. • 300 Sea Turtle nests in Crete protected in • 1993 Deutscher Reisebuero Veband cooperation between 'Archelon' (DRV) “International Environment Award • Travelife - Gold Awards • TUI ECO-RESORT eco-label for quality tourism product respecting local natural and social values .

LIST OF HOTELS

Grecotel, offers a full range of accommodation services with luxury & all-inclusive hotels and resorts around Greece.

HOTEL CITY COUNTRY TYPE

AMIRANDES CRETE Greece Exclusive Resort

CRETA PALACE CRETE Greece Luxury Hotel & Resort

LUX ME WHITE PALACE CRETE Greece LUX ME Resort

CLUB MARINE PALACE & SUITES CRETE Greece All-inclusive Resort

PLAZA SPA Apartments CRETE Greece Grecotel Apartments

VILLA OLIVA CRETE Greece Grecotel Apartments

CARAMEL CRETE Greece Exclusive Resort

MELI PALACE CRETE Greece All-inclusive Resort

CORFU IMPERIAL CORFU Greece Exclusive Resort

LUX ME DAPHNILA BAY DASSIA CORFU Greece LUX ME Resort

EVA PALACE CORFU Greece Luxury Hotel & Resort

KOS IMPERIAL THALASSO KOS Greece Luxury Hotel & Resort

ROYAL PARK KOS Greece All-inclusive Resort

RHODOS ROYAL RHODOS Greece All-inclusive Resort

PELLA BEACH CHALKIDIKI Greece Family Resort

ATTICA CAPE SOUNIO ATTICA Greece Exclusive Resort

MYKONOS BLU MYKONOS Greece Exclusive Resort PALLAS ATHENA ATTICA Greece City Hotel VOULIAGMENI SUITES ATTICA Greece City Hotel ASTIR*EGNATIA ALEXANDROUPOLIS Greece City Hotel

LARISSA IMPERIAL LARISSA Greece City Hotel

RIVIERA OLYMPIA & AQUA PARK PELOPONNESE Greece Luxury Hotel & Resort

MANDOLA ROSA & AQUA PARK PELOPONNESE Greece Exclusive Resort

OLYMPIA RIVIERA & AQUA PARK PELOPONNESE Greece Luxury Hotel & Resort

OLYMPIA OASIS & AQUA PARK PELOPONNESE Greece Luxury Hotel & Resort

OLYMPIA OASIS VILLAGE & AQUA PARK PELOPONNESE Greece All-inclusive Resort

CASA MARRON PELOPONNESE Greece All-inclusive Resort

FILOXENIA KALAMATA PELOPONNESE Greece Family Resort

O U R H O T E L

WELCOME TO WHITE PALACE picturesque harbor one can see the Venetian influence that later gave way to the Turkish Island life in the Greek islands and chic regime. The multitude of bars, cafes, tavernas, Mediterranean hideaways are the inspiration for Kafenion, and discos are guaranteed to provide this unique resort perched on the Cretan entertainment to suit everyone's taste. Riviera near Rethymno. Island Life: authentic, irreverent, easy going. The lifestyle of a • Built along the beach coastline on the traveler. White Palace’s landscaped exteriors, Cretan Riviera near Rethymno impressive entrance gallery and open-air • On a beautiful, sandy beach interiors have been lifted to fresh heights. • Accessible by airplane by 2 Fantastic new restaurants, bars and stunning international airports: “Nikos new sea view accommodation are the Kazantzakis” Heraklion Airport and hallmarks of this unique resort. “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” Chania Airport

Crete. A land that has nurtured human creativity • Also accessible by ferry and inspiration for over 4,000 years. Like no White Palace welcomes you with an exciting other Greek island, Crete welcomes and collection of 15 different room types to choose overwhelms visitors with its wealth of myths, from. Chic and light filled with vast sea view, legends, and history, a blessed and dramatic with elegant rooms conceptualized “all in white” landscape, and an abundance of choices and and representing the signature color and experiences. concept of the Resort.

Rethymno, the third largest town on Crete, is an YALI COLLECTION: an amazing ultra-luxury intriguing mixture of old-world charm and lively seafront suite collection simply named after the Cretan life. The vivacious atmosphere of the old Greek word “yalos”, meaning seaside. The Yali town is just the place for a stroll on long Suites are passionately private with their own summer evenings. The different ears and pools and residential style living elegantly influences on the town can be seen in the embellished with unique views and sounds of unusual architecture and buildings. Around the the sea.

WELCOME NOTE FROM GENERAL MANAGER

In Grecotel Group we believe that corporate With respect to the land, the history, and the responsibility and successful business local principles and values, we are committed to management can go hand in hand, so we provide all the necessary means for the proper integrate environmental, social and economic operation and the constant improving of the factors into all our decisions regarding Sustainability program. operations and management. Thank you for spending some time to have a

Therefore, Grecotel LUX ME White Palace, as look at our Sustainability Report and taking this a member of Grecotel group, recognizes the opportunity to learn more about Grecotel LUX impact upon the environment and the local ME White Palace. community and economy and it is committed to ensure sustainability. Charalabos Gialitakis

Sustainability should integrate into everything we do and since a hotel usually requires a large quantity of resources, it affects the community where it operates. Grecotel LUX ME White Palace

For that matter our sustainability approach Hotel General Manager takes into consideration not only our guests and the environment, but also the local community and the hotels staff. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our focus areas are: • Environmental friendly operations White Palace is managed by the General • Support the local society manager Mr Charalambos Gialitakis and the • Promote the local products and the management team. local way of life A sustainability committee is led by Chrisa Alepidi • Offering our services to positively and has the responsibility for all the environmental actions and management. contribute to a more sustainable way of Human Resources Manager Mr Evangelos doing business. Skoulikas has the responsibility for managing the • Create opportunities for people inside welfare and labor standards of all employees and and outside our business for managing human rights.

Our team is responsible to ensure the Human Resources Manager is also responsible implementation of environmental for measurements and initiatives for our hotel and • managing he business supports, the local community. • communicating and working with the local community, local business and • protecting local culture and traditions All employees regularly report the Top Management on their areas of responsibility.

LUXURY MADE EASY

Grecotel Hotels & Resorts is excited to invite • Soft drinks, draught beer and 150 you to a refreshing and ultimate holiday Greek and International wine labels concept which combines spectacular • Dining in all a la carte restaurants, beachfront location with great design, patisserie & chocolateries, creperie & personalized modern services, outstanding gelateria food and beverage selection, multiple activities • Beach towel service / ice towels and entertainment. LUXURY MADE EASY® is • Free kids dining all around the Resort a concept born out of a vision for waterfront • Heated pools lifestyle and it visualizes “LUXE ALL- • Fitness & Activities INCLUSIVE LIVING®” which simply becomes • Hammam a part of your life. Irresistible! • Visit to Aqua Park "Kingdom of What is included: Poseidon" at the nearby Club Marine • 24h WhatsApp Concierge Palace & Suites. Transport not • Daily stocked mini bar (refreshments, included. juices, beers, water) • Visit to Agreco Farm. Transport not • Tea & Coffee facilities included. • Wi-fi, Safe • Luxury amenities • Maid service twice per day

FACILITIES ACCOMODATION

The hotel lies on a 1000m long sand and White Palace welcomes you with an exciting pebble coastline. This beach is awarded the collection of 15 different room types to choose “Blue Flag” as complying with the directives of from. Chic and light filled with vast sea view, the European program BLUE FLAG and with elegant rooms conceptualized “all in white” complies 33 different criteria and representing the signature color and - water quality concept of the Resort.

- environmental management • 263 guestrooms, bungalows, suites & - safety villas, most with sea views A wide - services and facilities range of family accommodation - environmental education and information. • An amazing seafront suite & villas The sea is of exceptional water quality verified collection by the vast Posidonia fields, a few miles into the • Famous Class services at selected deep. The beach has umbrellas, serviced soft- suites and villas offering the ultimate in mattresses loungers and private adults-only luxury for our most demanding guests area. Adventure on sunset walks or early afternoon yoga on the beach (+ aerial yoga) YALI COLLECTION: an amazing ultra-luxury and take care of little caretta-caretta turtles. seafront suite collection simply named after the Greek word “yalos”, meaning seaside... The OUTDOOR POOLS Yali Suites are passionately private with their own pools and residential style living elegantly The Resort boasts 17 pools: embellished with unique views and sounds of • The deep blue seawater pool for all the sea. guests use DINING • The kid’s pool Fine dining overlooking the Cretan Riviera and • 2 sharing seawater heated pools for menu with international flair! White Palace designated rooms welcomes you to its new fantastic restaurants & • 2 sharing seawater pools for designated bars overhanging the Cretan Sea. The food is rooms authentic and delicious, and the service is • 11 private pools (up to 24oC) impeccable, but relaxed. • Free of charge: Sun beds, Umbrellas, • The White fine dining offering a Showers, Beach towels selection of menus degustation on a • Fitness & Activities magnificent sea blue terrace o Hammam • Ventanas Il Mar All day Mediterranean o Visit to Aqua Park "Kingdom of Buffet Restaurant and Wine Cellar Poseidon" at the nearby Club • Taverna Greek a la carte Restaurant Marine Palace & Suites. Transport • Fico d' India by the pool Italian a la not included. carte Restaurant & All Day Espresso o Visit to Agreco Farm. Transport not Bar included.

• Divan Restaurant Fine Dining Oriental • 2 Sharing Pools (seawater, 225m2 on Restaurant White Wing & 153m2 on Palace Wing) • Asia White a la carte Restaurant for the exclusive use of the guests of • Pâtisserie & Chocolaterie the specific levels • Creperie - Gelateria Juices & • 11 private pools (up to 24oC) Smoothies Bar • Beach service (free of charge) • Light Fare by the pool SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT • One 24/7 Restaurant • Snacking during the day Chill out in White Palace is bold & spectacular, • Sunset Lounge Bar full of music in live acts and super DJ shows. • "Long" Beach Bar It’s dancing, it’s movies, it’s kid’s shows and • Garden Theatre Bar family fun. Let yourself go with the famous • Petite Gastronomie - Tasty Corner, free White Palace parties: kids dining • Unique Agreco Farm dining experience Hippie on the Beach, Veranda Full Moon & • Special theme dinners during the week White Night -resort’s signature color- a poolside & Greek Club party spiced up with a professional show. • In-Room Dining for quiet, private dining or a romantic dinner under the stars DAYTIME ACTIVITIES - Free of charge • Lux me, all inclusive option

Fitness & Wellness: Cardio training, Fitness

BEACH & POOLS Studio, Aerial Yoga, Yoga, Aqua Gym, Stretching, Personal Training, Bikini Program, The hotel lies on a 1.000m long sand and Morning Walk, Zumba pebble coastline with changing cabins, showers, sun beds, beach towels and Sport & Fun: 2 Astroturf Tennis courts, Water umbrellas free of charge. Blue Flag awarded Polo, Snorkeling, Canoeing, Paddling, Pedaled, beach. Table Tennis, DVD library

The Resort boasts 17 pools: Group Fun: Volleyball, Greek dance lessons, • Main Seawater Pool (407m2) Darts, Board games, Mini Soccer, Boccia, Kids • 1 Children’s Pool (seawater 78m2) karaoke, Hiking • 1 Seafront Infinity Pool (seawater 480m2) for the exclusive use of the Extra charge: Tennis coaching • Watersports: guests of the of the specific row on Wet Bikes, Water-Skiing, Snorkeling Rethymno Wing equipment, Banana, Parasailing • Scuba Diving (nearby) • Mountain Bike Centre: Bike Tours, • 1 Seafront sharing pool (seawater Rental and Servicing (nearby) • Horse Riding 350m2) for the exclusive use of the (nearby, 3km) guests of the "Yali" Suites on Blue Wing

• NEW Valencia Soccer School & Culinary Masterclasses: For food-lovers, a Discovery Adventures chance to live the experiences of gastromical • Grecotel Make-up Academy for teens tourism, while in a holiday by the beach. • Play 'Farmer for the day' at Agreco Courses showing the methods of preparation of Farm traditional Greek & Cretan specialties. Available • NEW summer multi- activities camp at 15/7-15/8. nearby resorts • Grecoland parties & birthday

celebrations EXCURSIONS • Tasty Corner – free kids dining Selection of excursions & tours. Visit the • Sports activities including the best Agreco Farm and the Adele Village nearby. water- skiing school in Greece, tennis &

diving KIDS AND FAMILY • Babysitting (on request, at extra charge) A holiday for all! Children at White Palace enjoy • Kids menus in a la carte restaurants a dedicated holiday program so the adults can • Family accommodation relax. • Pediatrician doctor on call (extra • Child-friendly Blue Flag beach charge) GRECOBABY: The solution to • Shows & disco for all the Family travelling with babies & tots! • Early children’s dinners GRECOLAND CLUB: For children 3-6 • Infant food (to order in restaurants or at yrs. & 7-12 years, six days a week the hotel shops) GRECOTEENS: 13-17 yrs. from • High chairs in all restaurants morning to night, there is plenty to keep • Spacious gardens teens occupied • A range of baby products in hotel sho

RESORT FACILITIES SERVICES

• Hotel Shop-Boutique • Guest Relations & Privilege Club services Jeweler shop • • Multi-lingual Staff Garden Open theatre & cinema • • Reception/Concierge services include: • Internet corner Messages, Car Rental / Excursions, • Free of charge full WIFI coverage in all Airline information, Porter hotel areas and guest rooms • 24-hour reception • Cash dispenser at the hotel • Express check in/ check out service • Meeting room with technical equipment • Luggage transportation • Animals are not permitted in the hotel • Wake-Up Call service • Laptop or tablet use, pending availability

• Satellite TV

• Pillow collection GRECOTEL GUEST PORTAL • Extra baby cot on request • In-room breakfast service on request A world full of useful information and choices (extra charge) during your stay can be now discovered… • Room service: 24 hours with extra Enter into the NEW world of our Guest Portal charge and discover a plethora of activities, dining • Early breakfast service, upon request options, relaxing treatments, exclusive • Lunch box service, upon request privileges and many more! • Daily housekeeping included in the The Guest Portal presents all the provided room rate services of the hotel and gives you the opportunity to use them properly. It’s a tool, • Daily towel change by request from which you could receive any valuable • Turn down service during the evening, piece of information concerning your stay inside upon request & outside of the hotel. • Dry cleaning/ pressing service with To access the portal, just visit the extra charge website https://guestportal.grecotel.com. • Clothes iron and ironing board on

request Whether you are already in-house or have • Trousers press with extra charge planned a future stay, you may: • Valet parking • Hotel services guide in at least two • Make online reservations for a la carte languages Restaurants • Postal Services - Express Courier • Make online reservations for treatments Service and unique services at the spa & • Money: All major credit cards are wellness activities accepted, Money exchange at • Order online Room Service or Baby reception, nearest bank/Auto bank, Food 9km, cash dispenser at the hotel • Discover useful information about • Medical Services: 24hr Medical cover, facilities, benefits, offers, weather doctor on call (extra charge), chemist forecasts, tips and advices before and 2km, hospital 9km during your stay White Palace Famous Class Services • Organize your stay, plan your The Famous Class suites and villas entertainment program and participate offer the ultimate in luxury for our most into the various events demanding guests. Famous Class is • Participate in all Hotel's activities: simply like travelling "first class" at a indoor & outdoor, kids activities, local resort hotel experiences and more

S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T

Sustainable development is development that • Environmental Sustainability: meets the needs of the present without We are living within the means of our compromising the ability of future generations to natural resources. In order to live in true meet their own needs. Sustainable development environmental sustainability, we need to encompasses three dimensions: economic, ensure that we are consuming our natural environmental and social. resources, such as energy fuels, land, water etc., at a sustainable rate. THREE DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY • Social Sustainability: Integration of the economic, social and Social sustainability is the ability of environmental dimensions is key to achieving society, or any social system, to sustainable development. persistently achieve a good social

wellbeing. Achieving social sustainability

ensures that the social wellbeing can be maintained in the long term. • Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability requires that a business uses its resources efficiently and responsibly so that it can operate in a sustainable manner to consistently produce an operational profit. Without an operational profit a business cannot sustain its activities. Without acting responsibly and using its resources

efficiently a company will not be able to sustain its activities in the long term.

Organizational Sustainability

White Palace operates daily to develop its working The report outlines our management practices, as plan in a way that is progressively more well as our company targets and achievements for responsible towards the environment and the each area of interest (environment, society and community. For this purpose, we create the economy). In each area, through the application “Green team”. The team follows the of dedicated policies. (see Grecotel site), we environmental Program and the commitments of attempt to maximize the benefits of our operation the general Grecotel policies. It focusses on three and share the value created. main areas: environment, society and human Many of the case studies, highlights and targets resources. Green Team is responsible to ensure are coming from the central offices of the group. the implementation of environmental Nevertheless, White Palace is a special product, measurements and initiatives for each hotel is a place that works out through wonderful people • The Environmental Manager is dedicated to their vision about the environment, responsible for the proper function of the the local community, the people who worked with Environmental Program and to and the quests communicate this policy to all staff and Our sustainability team, working with experts, customers. identified the topics covered and the performance • The entire staff is responsible to indicators collected are in line with industry promote, support and implement the standards and recognized reporting benchmarks, Environmental Program through their e.g. the T.U.V Austria. We believe this report daily work. provides a fair and accurate representation of our • The Managing Director is committed to sustainability performance. provide all the necessary means for the The report is based on the three most important proper operation and the constant modules: clients, employees, results. Combining improving of the Environmental Program. these three elements guarantees coherent actions and ensures pro-effective organizational ABOUT THIS REPORT culture. The Sustainability report aims to provide In the first module concerning client’s attention is accessible and comparable information in focused on hospitability, exceeding mediocrity Grecotel’s practices on its economic, and empathy. An important element is innovation environmental, and social impacts, and hence its which is supposed to form the basis for the contributions – positive or negative – towards the Hotel’s competitive advantage. goal of sustainable development. Through this In the second module the central figure is an process, Grecotel identifies its significant impacts employee. Therefore, the stress is on the on the economy, the environment, and/or society environment favoring development of employees’ and discloses them in accordance with a globally- competences. The key words are here: trust and accepted standard. mutual respect. Openness and transparency are This is the fourth public sustainability report of to be achieved through training and peer care. White Palace and covers 2018 season (reporting The last module points to efficiency, innovations periods are from opening to the closing day). and selling techniques.

2018 SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Chemical water Water consumption 91.137 Kg of consumption was was reduced by 2% waste was recycled reduced by 34%

95% LED lighting in the Awarded beach Blue Flag Greek breakfast awarded hotel guestrooms.

We do local awarded Reduce water by 30% Travelife awarded hotel hotel in housekeeping

WE BELIEVE – WE DO – WE WILL

SUSTAINABILITY DIMENSIONS

ENVIROMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC We believe Our impact to the local community is understood and nurtured Economic Sustainability focuses on the • Continuous improvement in our • Discuss with the local community following major areas: Corporate and Social Responsibility for mutual benefits (CSR) Strategy • Effectively support the needs of • Maximize profit • Encourage our business partners to the local community • Deliver quality products and services follow Grecotel Policies and quality • Respect the protect the • Implement economy of scale Standards internationally proclaimed human • Enhance work efficiency • Meet all relevant legislation rights • Engage local partners • Transparency for our business • Equal employment opportunity policies and practices

We do • Keep updated policies and • Provide information through procedures websites and reports • Ensure that the Green Team has • Communicate constantly with the all the required Resources • Achieve Economic Sustainability local authorities • establish realistic Green goals for by continual enhancements of • Make donations to local and each department efficiency and quality of work, as international causes and projects well as maximizing benefits for • Follow ISO 14001 Principles • Encourage Guest and Team our stakeholders • Set targets on Energy and Water Members to donate • Seek Constantly boosting Reduction • Terminate partnerships where competitiveness and • Check if funding / loans are human rights violations or child labor demonstrating the key role of available for investment in new is discovered tourism in the Greek economy. technology • Hire people regardless any personal

• Encourage staff to put forward their characteristics own suggestions for water reduction • Training programs for team members

We will • Implement a Waste Management • Prolong opening season Framework • Guest Satisfaction Surveys • New Market opportunities • Annual sustainability report • Continue the partnership with the • Use Satisfaction Questionnaires and • Compare total and departmental Children’s Smile Surveys to improve services and be consumption figures with hotel • Encourage more internal promotions competitive to the market industry benchmarks • Update and enrich the already • improve performance and increase • Train staff to make prudent use of existing handbooks (Pre-Arrival, the number of arrivals and overnight environmental indicators and how to Initial Training and Care) stays, while improving the maintain equipment for optimum distribution of demand over time. energy-efficiency

E N V I R O N M E N T A L D I M E N S I O N

In 1992, Grecotel became the first Mediterranean • comply with the law, rules and regulations hotel group to undertake eco-audits in its hotels related to the hotel activities and have an according to EU standards and formed an impact on the environment. environment and culture department in its head • evaluate the environmental implications of office operations department. The environmental the hotel activities with the goal to initiatives, including the formation of a unique minimize or eliminate any harmful effects. agricultural department which supplies biological • take any action needed to prevent any produce to the hotels, have resulted in the Group form of pollution that will affect the local being honored with the most natural residential environment and the prestigious environmental awards worldwide. quality of tourism services provided. Grecotel is now a textbook example in leading • aim for continuous improvement through tourism schools and universities. setting new goals and continual research White Palace hotel as member of the Grecotel for improved environmental practices. hotels chain, recognizes the importance the • To work closely with local government, protection of the environment plays is the authorities and local community to sustainable development of tourism. Therefore, integrate local perspectives into Grecotel White Palace implements Environmental environmental protection decision making. Management System which discloses our commitment for the development of a sustainable Applications inside the hotels tourism destination with respect to the Grecotel performs eco-auditing in its hotels. environment and the local communities. Based on its findings, improvements have been procedures. made in the following fields. By developing Environmental Management • Waste management (liquid & solid) procedures, the hotel defines all the • Water & energy saving environmental aspects of its operations and has • Pollution control established policies that aim to reduce, minimize • Production of organic plants, flowers and and manage its environmental impact, vegetables in hotel gardens continuously improve its environmental • Composting performance and results. Grecotel’s • Sustainable coastal management environmental policy covers all aspects of our • Environmental friendly purchasing policy operation that could cause, or contribute to, a • Public awareness & communication potential impact on the local environment. (personnel, guests, associates, press) The Management is committed to:

Applications outside the hotels Protecting and highlighting natural, historical and As a result, Grecotel's Agreco farm opened its cultural locations or monuments. gates in 2001, near Adele village, Crete. This Natural Environment privately owned 40,000-sq estate is an innovative • Blue Flags on the beaches of Grecotel display of environmentally friendly methods for hotels traditional and modern cultivation and breeding. • "Caretta caretta'' sea turtle nesting Agreco was created by Nikos Daskalantonakis, beaches in Rethymno, Crete & West founder of N. Daskalantonakis-Grecotel Group, as Peloponnese part of his vision of offering guests wholesome, • Support environmental programs high farm-fresh produce while supporting sustainable protect wild life & natural reserves development of rural areas. Especially in Crete, Historical & Cultural Heritage where hospitality has been a tradition since the • Ancient Eleftherna, Crete days of Zeus, welcoming someone into your home • Saint Irene monastery, Crete is admitting them to your family. Agriculture Sector The idea behind it is to educate local farmers and • Agreco Farm Rethymno, Crete – the Grecotel visitors about the traditional ways of showcase of Grecotel agro-tourism production and the original Cretan way of living. • Promotion of local, organic, traditional The overall objective is to give visitors a first-hand products in the hotel restaurants and mini experience of the traditional production methods markets of traditional Greek products, namely olive oil, olives, honey, wine, jams, local herbs. • Technical assistance to local producers Agreco also serves as an educational

institution, opening new ways for the Environmental awareness & training development of agriculture, so it can progressively Environmental awareness is succeeded though: convey new environmental ideas to the farmers • Booklets, Information Leaflets, Seminars, around Crete. Slide Shows, Hotel Brochures, Grecotel Agreco produces ecological products which Magazine, Eco-cultural animation meet all EU standards and are certified with the program for Grecotel Guests & ISO22000:05, thereby demonstrating that Employees: cultivation is possible without the use of chemicals • Workshops, Conference, Publications, that ultimately pollute the soil, water and our own Case Studies and Lectures in Tourism health. Schools, Press Conference, Support of Grecotel proudly represents a landmark example NGO's Training Programs for Local since the decade of ‘90s, being the first hotel Communities, Institutions, Universities, connection program with the local production and Suppliers, NGO's, members of tourism has established the institution of the contract- sector based agriculture to strengthen and support the

local community along with local farmers and

AGRECO: A traditional village farm producers to deliver their various goods to Grecotel hotels in the city of Rethymno. In Crete, far away from the busy tourist hubs, the The Agreco project is aimed at preserving Crete's rich traditions of rural life endure. After all, traditional way of cultivating land and therefore agriculture remains an important part of the has far-reaching cultural implications. A selection island's local economy and the Cretan way of life. of other organic products from smallholders in

other regions of Crete supplement the range of … and at the end of the day, when guests brief products produced under the name Agreco Farms farming career comes to an end, guests can sit (cheese, organic blossom and pine honey, back at the farm’s Taverna with dramatic views organic olive oil, olives, raisins etc. as well as a over vineyards, olive groves and the sparkling special line of personal care products made with Aegean Sea and enjoy a healthy and nutritious pure natural ingredients: shampoo, hair Cretan menu. Only fresh, organic farm produce is conditioner, hair mask, foam bath, hand cream used in the menu and the preparation is done etc.) entirely in the farm kitchens. Shaped by hand, every stone at Agreco preserves Agreco forms a successful sustainability case on the delicate balance between man and nature, the its own that: farm and its buildings stand in perfect harmony - successfully interconnects primary sector with the landscape. A watermill, a wood-burning with tourism oven, a wine cellar, workshops depending on the - continues Cretan tradition season such as a room for drying aromatic herbs, - is a unique example of Cretan hospitality a large preserving kitchen buzzing with women - connects with participation and making preserves from summer fruit or veggies disseminates at local events, school and putting up tomatoes in paste, St.Nicholas visits, media visits, conferences, events church, a mini zoo with animals such as deers, etc. wild goats (kri-kri), rabbits, quails, partridges, - supports small local producers pigeons, peacocks, ostriches, donkeys, turkeys, - supports local community by being a sheep, cows, chickens etc.). The Farm operates significant employer from May to November daily. - represents at its best and develops At Agreco a guest can experience the unique and Crete’s unique culture, history special program “Be a Farmer for a day” and the - shows the local cuisine and strengthens “Young Farmers” for the little ones with seasonal the Cretan gastronomic identity activities such as: - cooperates with local and regional - Learn to cook and prepare stuffed Authorities vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, zucchini) - Make farmhouse bread and bake it in the ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM wood-burning oven. Try it fresh from the Grecotel Environmental Program was used as an oven, dipped in virgin olive oil. example in the publication Agenda 21 for the - Pick vine leaves to make the famous Global Travel & Tourism Industry. It includes Greek dolmadakia. activities inside and outside the hotels and it - Pick fresh vegetables from the organic focuses in 4 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) gardens to enjoy later. • Energy - Collect hen eggs to make village-style • Water scrambled eggs. • Waste and Recycling - Milk the goats. • Chemicals - Help shearing the sheep. - Taste the fresh milk and see how local cheese is made. - Make Cretan cheese pies.

ENERGY

Energy consumption is the main contributor to Energy Savings from lighting direct and indirect GHG emissions which affect • Use improved fluorescent lamps the climate change. By creating the necessary • Use super metal halide fluorescent lamps infrastructure and using the latest available • Use electronic fluorescent ballasts technology in energy management, we endeavor • Use improved luminaries to reduce our energy consumption and maximize • Motion sensors, timing devices the use of renewable energy. Advanced materials • Provide information and warning labels for and systems are installed in the buildings of o to guests and staff reduce energy consumption. These include: • Use daylight effectively within the building • Energy-efficient window panes • Public awareness and communication • A high-quality, external wall insulation Energy Savings from equipment system that significantly reduces energy • Use high-efficiency equipment when losses by wrapping the building in a thermally replacing old equipment throughout the resistant envelope hotels (including in kitchens, offices, • Low energy technology lighting laundries, etc.) • Electronic lighting ballasts • Electric magnetic keycards for the • Central lighting control systems automatic interruption of lighting and

electrical appliances (except Energy Saving measures refrigerator)

Training - Awareness Energy Savings from cooling • Training to our staff for the best working • Reduce external loads from incident solar practices in how to save energy radiation by providing proper shading of • Housekeeping Training, We train the building housekeepers in how to reduce both • Replace window frames that form a cold water, and energy consumption. bridge, and/or install double glazed 1| When entering guest bedrooms, windows, to reduce cold transfer amongst other things, housekeepers coefficient should: • Obtain increased efficiency through 2|Turn off all appliances such as TVs proper maintenance of the Cooling 3| Allow natural sunlight in system 4| Turn off the air conditioning or adjust to • Use natural cooling techniques a reasonable temperature. • Use Night ventilation techniques, ceiling

fans

Promote Customers Participation Customer contribution to reducing Energy • It is our policy to change linen every 3 consumption and succeed the Energy goals. days. Should you wish for your linen to Customers are informed about Hotels actions and be changed more frequently, please let us they are welcome to participate. Notices with know by placing this card on the pillow in ways to help the Hotel succeed its energy goals the morning. are left inside the rooms. • Please the Lights off when not in use Promote Employees Participation • Please remember to close all windows All the employees are trained in how to reduce and doors when heating or air- both water, and energy consumption in their conditioning is on working area.

ENERGY INDICATOR

Total Annual Energy Consumption

3.500.000 3.000.000 2.500.000

2.000.000 KWh 1.500.000 2.876.5312.800.000 2.376.2332.558.788 1.000.000 500.000 0 BASELINE YEAR 2.376.233 PREVIOUS SEASON 2017 2.558.788 CURRENT SEASON 2018 2.876.531 NEXT YEAR TARGET 2019 2.800.000

Annual Energy consumption per Guest Day

ENERGY INDICATOR

Energy Consumption per Source 2018 (KWh)

2018 Monthly Energy Consumption

WATER

ENERGY INDICATOR

ENERGY ASSESMENT

Airconditioning 25% 22% Lightning

5% Kitchen

Warm Water Boilers 23% 25% Rest (Pools, Landry etc)

The main energy consuming consumption sources in a hotel are: • preparing meals, • cooling rooms, • hot water uses and other energy consuming activities by guests, • swimming pool, • lighting, • others The relative importance of the different energy end-uses is described as follows: • Air conditioning (cooling, ventilation) is approximately 21,96% of the total consumption. • Hot water usage is accounting for up to 24.65% of the total energy demand. • Kitchen and catering is approximately 21,96% of the total consumption. • 4.59% per cent is used for lighting. • The remaining 25,48% concerns swimming pool motors and generators.

Water scarcity is a recognized global problem, have a good return on investment and have a with demand for water projected to exceed supply neutral or positive impact on the guest by 40% by 2030. experience. The implementation of a sustainable tourism Plan, Implement, and Monitor development is directly linked with the availability Creating a plan that details the hotel water use of water resources in the local area and their profile and identifies the targeted areas for management. Water quality and availability are a efficiency improvements in those uses along with major sustainability risk that is being addressed expected costs and benefits will help guide through the implementation of appropriate short implementation. After the selected efficiency and long-term policies. measures are put into action, it is important to The quality of water is monitored in cooperation monitor changes in water use with accredited laboratories. At the same time, continuous efforts are made to reduce water WATER SAVING MEASURES needs A series of water-saving measures have been Grecotel following all the national and applied, based on best available practices that international legislation ensure that the source of focus on consumption monitoring (e.g. leak the water does not affect the local supply or local control, improved efficiency), including environment in any way. educational programs for visitors. Below you can All waste water, including rain water are disposed see the most important actions taken to reduce of in a controlled way to protect areas lying the Water consumption per area outside the boundaries of a property from becoming contaminated by water, chemicals, Bathrooms pollutants, effluent and other materials. • Flow restrictors to showers, taps and flushes Measure Water Use • Maintenance The first step was to start measuring water consumption and set some tangible targets. It’s Laundry vital to know our start point (baseline year) and • Run the washing machine only with a full find out how much water is consumed and load. how it is divided among the various uses • Check regularly for leaking dump valves, such as in the guest rooms and common ensure that all water inlet valves are areas. closing properly and check that level controls on water reuse tanks are working Identify, Evaluate, and Select Efficiency properly Measures • Use the correct amount of soap to load Precise and extensive measurements reveal size so extra rinsing is not required. opportunities for reducing water use and provide the foundation for developing a strategy. It is • Ensure that the water flow rates are important to evaluate and rank the various adjusted to the manufacturer’s optionsin terms of cost-effectiveness and recommended setting qualitative factors such as the impact on the guest experience. Ideally, the selected measures will

• Procedures in place and training to inform • When buying washing machines, look out housekeeping on how they can reduce for a good water consumption rating water use. Where outsourced, ask your supplier what • Adhere to hotel reuse linen/towel procedures they have in place to reduce water program to reduce laundry. and energy use • Make sure linen/towel changing cards Swimming pools and other water conservation cards are Swimming pool can increase fresh water in place for guests to find and easily consumption up to 10%. These steps will help read. ensure no water is wasted. • Minimize water use during the room • Conduct regular maintenance to prevent cleaning wherever possible. leaks. Checking for leaks is best done by • Turn off the tap during cleaning if not reading water meters last thing at night being used for cleaning purposes. and first thing in the morning • Flush the toilet only when necessary during cleaning. • Backwash the swimming pool every two • Report leaking faucets and showerheads to three days rather than daily. to maintenance immediately. • Push-button showers by the pool to • Report running toilets and toilets that reduce water use flush poorly or have other issues

Watering Promote Customers Participation / White Palace hotel is located on an area of Awareness approximately 45 acres, of which about 20% is We give the opportunity to our guests to reduce occupied by gardens. About 15% is covered with the water consumption natural turf while the remaining 5% consists of • Turn off the tap when you brush your flowering plants and various trees. teeth – this can save 6 liters of water per To cover the hotel's gardening needs in the hotel, minute. stalled pipes and pop ups with MP rotators are • We have place a systern displacement used. device in your toilet cistern to reduce the The hotel is divided into 6 zones and each living is volume of water used in each flush Take controlled by its own program. Start times are a shorter shower. Shower can use different, with the first starting at 21:30 and last anything between 6 and 45 liters per stopping at 7.00am. Starting time varies regularly minute depending on differences in external conditions • Follow our washing towels policy. It is (temperature, air and sunshine) our policy to change linen every 3 days. For Gardening Purposes Irrigation water is used Should you wish for your linen to be Kitchen changed more frequently, please let us • Taps in kitchens should have a maximum know by placing the blue card on the flow of 10 liters per minute pillow in the morning • Only use dishwashers on full load

• Give for washing only the necessary House keeping clothes • Avoid filling the bathtub with water

whenever you want to take a bath. It’s Promote Employees Participation / Awareness preferable to take a shower and install water saving shower heads. Strategies to improve water savings will require • Check faucets and pipes for leaks staff participation to be successful. We have regularly. A small drip from a worn Communicate the management’s commitment to faucet washer can waste many Litters of water reduction and the subsequent objectives water daily. and goals to all employees

• Check the water flow in every tap. Make Keeping staff informed of water savings efforts, sure it’s not too high. If you install flow asking them to share ideas and take leadership, restrictors, can save approximately half and ensuring staff feel invested in and of the water you use. responsible for reaching efficiency goals help maximize the impact of efforts.

WATER INDICATOR

Annual Water Consumption

Annual Water Consumption per Guest Day

•

• Calculating the water used per guest per night by dividing the total water consumed in guest rooms by the number of guests for that month gives a clearer image regarding the real consumption of the hotel.

WATER INDICATOR

Water Consumption per Source 2018 (Lt)

2018 Monthly Water Consumption

WATER INDICATOR

WATER ASSESMENT

1143 2858 1143 14290 Guest Rooms

F&B (inc. Kitchen)

Gardens

Laundry 28008 9717 Restrooms and public toilets

Rest (HVAC, Pools etc)

The main water consuming activities in a hotel are: • Guest Rooms (25%) • Kitchen (17%) • Laundry (2%) • Gardens (49%) • Restrooms & public toilets (2%) • Rest (pools etc.) (5%)

WASTE - RECYCLING

In White Palace Hotel we understand the • We return: glass bottles for water, beer, importance of waste management and its effect soft drinks, wine, plastic water bottles, on the environment. We are committed to pallets, beer barrels etc. minimizing waste production by employing • All quantities are reported annually Reduction, training, and Recycling techniques at every stage of our operation. We are committed Control of pollution of natural resources to ensuring that all operations and activities are • The hotel’s liquid waste is treated in fully compliant with all current waste management the local wastewater treatment policy. plant of the Municipality We aim to reduce the amount of waste we create • Regular chemical and microbiological to as little as possible. Some waste is analyses of water (drinking water, sea & unavoidable, but we can still make a positive pool water) are conducted by a certified difference to the environment. The integrated laboratory. waste management system has been designed on • All cleaning agents and detergents are the principles of waste reduction, reuse and selected according to environmentally recycling. Waste is separated into the following friendly standards regarding their types: paper, plastic, glass, used oil, batteries, composition, packaging and usage. cartridges • All the refrigerant substances used in

the hotel are ozone friendly (compliant WASTE MANAGEMENT MEASURES with the international legislation) • White Palace is connected to the • We implement the HACCP and the ISO wastewater treatment plant of the 22000 food and hygiene safety Municipality of Rethymno. management system. • Recycle glass, plastic, papers, lamps,

electrical devices, batteries, heavy Grecotel is committed to the sustainable equipment management of our operations in a way that • In Grecotel we separate waste according reverses land degradation while protecting and to local authority guidance. Separate preserving the ecologically important habitats Bins: To recycle aluminum cans, glass surrounding the existing and future sites bottles, separate bins could be made The sea, apart from a significant tourism asset, available in the kitchen and bar so that particularly important for Greece, is a key these items can be easily recycled. natural resources provider and a major carbon • Soap Dispensers: Refillable liquid soap sink contributing to the mitigation of climate dispensers are used in the public toilettes change. The coastal areas support numerous and in the kitchens instead of soap bars. human activities vital for the development and This minimizes waste by not needing to the coherence of human societies throw away used soap bars

Promote Customers Participation • Identify areas of waste production Customers can help the Waste management plan throughout the hotels. by: keep saving our environment by always using • Employ effective waste management the recycle bins practices to identify the most efficient Promote Employees Participation methods to reduce the production of Employees are required to: waste. • become familiar with the type of waste • Manage the process to ensure and their appropriate handling and compliance with best practice. disposal methods, and • Through training and support, ensure that adopt the procedures for waste • all staff are aware of their responsibilities separation using the correct color-coded under Grecotel environmental policy and bags and bins. how compliance can be achieved and

maintained. Objectives

• Categorization of the different types of waste

WASTE AND RECYCLING INDICATOR

Annual Recycling Records

Recycling per material

We recycle: paper (21546 kg), plastic (19536 kg), glass (47180 kg), batteries (30 kg), electronic equipment, used cooking oil (2760 kg), ink cartridges (25 kg), lamps (60 kg) etc.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES USAGE

The environment is totally affected by the hazardous substances. White Palace keeps a list of all hazardous substances used (e.g. chemicals, hazardous materials, light bulbs, batteries, ink/toner cartridges etc.) All hazardous substances are used safely according to the manufacturer instructions and are stored safely, in line with national and international standards. Chemical are dispose safely, in line with national and international standards and collected by a fully licensed contractor The usage of chemicals is limited and only from special trained staff members All the employees who handle any chemical products and substances receive an annual training regarding the Correct use of the chemicals (quantity, required Personal protective equipment) and the Possible harmful effects

CHEMICAL USE INDICATOR

Annual Cleaning Chemicals

Annual chemical used in swimming pools

•

ENVIROMENTAL DIMENSION

ENERGY WATER WASTE – RECYCLING CHEMICALS

Environmental Programs and Goals for 2019

TOTAL ENERGY TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION CONSUMPTION Warehouse for storage of (ELECTRIC, GAS, (IRRIGATION AND CLEANING CHEMICALS hazardous solid waste and PETROLEUM) MUNICIPAL) Stabilization of consumption training of personnel. Reduction in consumption Reduction in consumption by 4,2%/GN by 1%/GN

SWIMMING POOL Overview of energy saving Overview of energy saving Start recycling used soap. CHEMICAL methods methods Stabilization of consumption

Encourage customer and - Gradual replacement of old staff to use environmental Research on alternative, Cleaning of lamps and taps / showers in rooms friendly transportation such more environmental friendly fixtures and communal toilets with as & bicycle walking to Chemicals new ones (flow reduction) nearby village and surrounding areas

Research on the use of recycled paper or other Training to all employees Gradual replacement of old Send Environmental environmental friendly, regarding energy efficient washing Machines with Questionnaire to all chlorine-free and eco- actions in their departments more efficient new models suppliers. labeled material on stationery products

Research on reuse of Send Environmental Annual measurement of gas packaging parts such as Questionnaire to all and boiler efficiency bottle caps / soap suppliers. dispensers

Gradually increase the use of energy-saving lamps in Re-check the ability to common areas (indoor create compost from Training to all employees public areas, lobby, organic kitchen, garden, restaurants, outdoor public beach. spaces).

Send Environmental Send Environmental

Questionnaire to all Questionnaire to all

suppliers. suppliers.

Training to all employees

S O C I A L D I M E N S I O N

In Grecotel we recognize Corporate Social EMPLOYEES Responsibility, significant importance within the The main concern of Grecotel all these decades is industry, as well as in the media and among the uninterrupted support of the Company for the consumers professional and personal development of all We regard direct or indirect discrimination, employees, but also to make them contributors to victimization and harassment as a serious the overall vision of Grecotel. Indicative benefits of matter. Employees who fail to comply with this Grecotel for its staff are the blood bank, policy will be subject to the Company’s continuous performance management through disciplinary procedure. All breaches of this training and development programs, trips abroad, policy will be regarded as serious disciplinary residence for staff, bonus program, special rates matters and will, if there has been victimization, when staying in company's hotels and providing intentional discrimination or deliberate loans. harassment be regarded as potential gross All our employees receive extensive training to misconduct leading to summary dismissal. develop their skills and take an active role in Grecotel recognizes that misunderstandings can promoting a culture of contribution to sustainable arise where people of a different sex, interests development. Our employment policies promote and cultures work together. Any employee who an inspiring, safe and secure working environment believes that he or she is being treated in a way for all, safeguarding equality and eliminating that is contrary to this policy should raise the discrimination based on gender, religion, issue with their Department Manager. If an nationality or sexual orientation. employee feels that it is inappropriate to A mentor is taking care every new approach their Department Manager, he or she member may contact the Human Resources Department. • We provide them with three The Human Resources Department, carries out different handbooks which explains in a periodic review of Grecotel's equal opportunity detail all the aspects of their profession. policy and monitors the effects and the • Weekly food Program, Breakfast, application of this policy across the company. Lunch, Dinner • Separate closets and staff toilets • We provide opportunities to develop new skills, e.g. languages

courses, win ology, barista training, butler working practice in breach of this policy. service And • Involve staff in hotel operations • Working together to promote a and invite their comments regarding harmonious working environment free improvements. from discrimination, harassment and • Encourage seasonal staff to bullying. return next year, • Any employee who violates any of the • Untypical benefits such as flexible company’s rules or fails to perform to the hours, job sharing, pensions, free transfer satisfaction of this Hotel will be subject to by hotels bus, blood donation, medical discipline. White Palace always tries to insurance. provide the same opportunities to each • Increase the feeling that they human and stands on that. belong to one of the best hotels in Europe and this is a huge plus in their CV. Creating new job opportunities The implementation of a sustainable tourism Health and Safety business model creates new jobs and business White Palace puts the same emphasis on guest opportunities due to its direct links with most of safety as it does on its team members. We the sectors of the local economy. undertake comprehensive risk assessments – following the national and international standard – Equal opportunities our purpose is to identify the like hood and the In White Palace everyone is equal. Any illegal severity of all risks in any place in the hotel – and discrimination based on factors such as race, then we put out risk reduction plan. color, creed, national origin, gender, age, disability We are always trying to be equipped with all or handicap, including illegal harassment, is necessary safety tools and signage, we carry out strictly prohibited. frequent quality checks from internal and external A separate harassment policy is included in this cooperators such TUI Safety control, SGS, handbook. Travelife, Grecotel safety team. White Palace employed 296 employees in 2017. This number is divided almost equally to male Human Rights We support and respect the (152) and female (144). Most employees are protection of internationally proclaimed human Locals (204) and 92 people are from foreigners. rights; All employees are responsible for complying Training development and principles with social policy and for ensuring that the All our employees receive training to familiarize standards of behavior required by the company them with the company’s core values and code of are observed by: conduct and attend thorough training programs to • Treating others on their merits and develop their skills and enhance their career disassociating themselves from any opportunities. form of direct or indirect discrimination, All our associates receive our policies and they victimization or harassment. are asked to follow the same principles. • Bringing to the attention of their Department Manager any suspected

Accomplishments youth careers Sustainable tourism creates the necessary White Palace always protects and invest in young momentum for the continuous, inclusive and people from local tourism schools, we are sustainable economic development of Crete. It recognized for our exemplary practices in creates links with agriculture and service- corporate school practice and responsibility. Every providing sectors and stimulates the development year we give the opportunity to the best students of key infrastructure (road construction, upgrade to succeed as professionals in other Grecotel of airport facilities) and the provision of financial hotel services from which the local economy can benefit. The revenue generated by the increase in PARTNERSHIPS AND DONATIONS tourist arrivals in the region has a positive direct PARTNER WITH "The Smile of the Child» «THE impact on a wide range of economic sectors SMILE OF THE CHILD" is a non-profit voluntary incorporated in the tourism value chain. The Organization. It is based on sentiment and positive impact from tourism growth on income emotions, but it goes beyond that and turns and employment in the local community is everything it represents into actions. As its main multiplied, creating a vibrant local economy the objective, the Organization deals with the daily local people can use the facilities of the promises problems children encounter. with specific cost / charge provided the availability The Organization’s main concern is defending of the resources. children's rights, not just on paper but in practice as well, providing services to children on a 24- Promote and Participate in local activities. hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year-basis, Source Locally working for their physical, mental, and “Buy locally is crucial, enabling local communities psychological stability. to benefit from tourism” “The Smile of the Child” cooperates closely with We strongly believe that every purchase must state authorities (Police, the General Attorney’s cover a real need of the hotel Office, hospitals etc.) but also with all responsible We mentor our local suppliers, so they quickly individuals wishing to contribute to alleviating become part of our regular supply chain and our issues affecting children. philosophy, In any negotiation with the supplying As a voluntary Organization, “The Smile of the company, we inform them about our Child” supports all relevant institutions to promote environmental policy and we ask them to inform their efficiency in handling children’s issues. us about the various environmental-friendly products on offer. LOCAL COMMUNITY White Palace growth is directly linked to the We give priority to products from the local prosperity of the destination. Contributing markets, if they meet the requirements and basic significantly to the local economy and supporting needs of the company. As far as the final decision regional development is a key priority. on any purchase is concerned, the important • We effectively support the needs of the factor of product transportation should always be local community and implement initiatives considered, from the point of view of both air accordingly pollution and fuel consumption (non-renewable • Our impact on the local and wider sources of energy) during transportation community is understood and nurtured. Priority should be given to recyclable and • Dialogue with local communities is returnable products as well as those from recycled encouraged for mutual benefit.

materials (mostly paper, aluminum, glass, plastic) The use of materials containing substances without excessive multiple dangerous to public health and the environment (such as organic solvents, asbestos, lead, Purchase Policy polyurethane, etc.) should be avoided in the In general, preference is given, wherever construction of buildings, manufacturing of possible, to the purchase of products in bulk and furniture, insulation & decoration during re-useable or returnable packages. This practice renovations reduces both the cost and the useless packaging that ends up as waste. The purchase of items CLIENTS such as disposable cocktail decorations, breakfast Guest satisfaction portions, glasses, etc. is to be avoided and, We believe that the satisfaction, security, safety wherever their use is necessary, biodegradable and open dialogue with our clients, is necessary products are preferred. Among the artificial and and desirable. Client Satisfaction chemical products of everyday use, preference is given to those with the least damaging effects on the environment and human health.

SOCIAL INDICATOR

Employees Rate

•

06 | ECONOMICAL DIMENSION

E C O N O M I C D I M E N S I O N

Economic dimension refers to the way in which the interested parties, including our the company organizes its position in the associates, guests, hotel owners and local marketplace to actively develop its sustainable communities. We continue to drive meaningful profile by using its economic stability and results benefitting youth, global diversity and profitability for continuous improvement. Our inclusion, health and wellness, responsible long-standing commitment to responsible sourcing and support for human rights. business helps to create opportunities for all

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

2018 Guests per month

•

06 | ECONOMICAL DIMENSION