ESG Insights από το UN SDSN: New Trends and Tools for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
The tourism and hospitality industry is changing at a rapid pace. Travelers are looking for responsible businesses, partners and investors are demanding sustainable practices, while international developments are setting new standards. In this environment, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is no longer a luxury – it is a necessary tool for growth, differentiation and competitive advantage.
The seminar “ESG Insights from the UN SDSN: New Trends and Tools for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry” brings to Cyprus the latest directions of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) and is based on the thematic and standards of the ReSEES Lab of the Athens University of Economics and Business. Designed specifically for tourism and hospitality professionals and executives, the seminar presents not only the latest international trends, but also new, practical tools that you can immediately apply to your business.
Participating in this program allows you to gain a deeper understanding of how ESG impacts the industry, turn sustainability into a real business opportunity, and enhance your organization’s reputation and competitiveness. At the same time, through the experience of the trainers, you will be trained on the latest trends in sustainability in the tourism and hospitality industry.
This is a seminar like no other: specialized, innovative, and fully tailored to the needs of the hospitality sector. If you want to be ahead of the curve and be the first to utilize the tools of the future, this is the opportunity!!!
Topics to be analyzed:
A. Introduction to Sustainability & the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Presentation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and their importance for the hotel industry. It will examine how hospitality businesses can contribute to their achievement, enhancing their competitiveness.
B. ESG Strategies for the Hotel Industry
Analysis of the three main ESG pillars (Environment, Society, Governance) and ways to integrate them into the operation of a hotel. Presentation of steps for creating a comprehensive ESG action plan.
C. International & European Standards and Legislation
Overview of the most important international and European regulations, such as ISO 14001, CSRD and Agenda 2030. Focus on legal requirements and their practical application in the hotel industry.
D. Reducing Environmental Footprint
Practical strategies for reducing energy consumption, water use and waste. Presentation of tools for measuring and monitoring the sustainability of a business.
E. Access to Green Finance
Information on available investment programs and financial tools that support sustainable projects. Guidance for creating business plans that meet ESG criteria.
G. Social Responsibility & Corporate Transparency
Development of programs that strengthen the connection of the business with the local community. Strategies to enhance corporate reputation and trust through transparency and responsible practices.
Skills and Knowledge that participants will gain
After completing the seminar, participants will have developed:
Strategic Skills
• Design and implementation of ESG strategies specifically tailored to the hotel industry.
• Familiarity with international and European legislation and ability to comply with them.
• Understanding of sustainability as a competitive advantage.
Practical Knowledge
• Measurement and analysis of environmental footprint with practical tools.
• Application of techniques for saving resources and costs.
• Management of ESG projects through KPIs and progress evaluation.
Investment Readiness
• Ability to prepare for green financing and present to investors.
• Understanding of the criteria that financial institutions seek for sustainable projects.
Leadership Skills
• Creation and cultivation of a culture of corporate responsibility.
• Activation and training of staff on ESG issues.
• Leadership in innovation and sustainable development in tourism.
BIOGRAPHIES OF TRAINERS
Conrad Felix Michel Landis
Conrad Felix Michel Landis is a postdoctoral researcher at the Research Laboratory for Socioeconomic and Environmental Sustainability (ReSEES) of the Athens University of Economics and Business, and at the Sustainable Development Unit of the Athena Research Center.
He is an Associate Professor at the Graduate Program in Finance and Banking of the Athens University of Economics and Business and at the Indian Institute Of Management– Rohtak (IIM–Rohtak).
He is a graduate of the Department of International and European Economic Studies, holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and Finance and a PhD in Finance and Econometrics (Asset Pricing), of the Athens University of Economics and Business. His research interests concern the fields of Econometrics, Environmental Economics and Empirical Finance.
He has participated in the design and implementation of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, with an emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has experience in implementing programs in large organizations both in Greece and abroad, aiming to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices, optimize carbon footprint, as well as develop actions that enhance social and environmental responsibility.
Regarding the hotel sector, he has participated in projects for the integration of green operating practices in hotel units, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint, optimize energy efficiency and adopt international certification standards (e.g. Green Key, LEED). He participated in the design and management of projects that enhance social and environmental responsibility with measurable results in terms of waste reduction, circular economy and sustainability. He has experience in developing strategies for responsible energy and water consumption and promoting sustainable practices to guests.
His experience combines a strategic approach with practical project implementation in different sectors, ensuring not only formal compliance with international standards but also the integration of Sustainability as part of the corporate culture.
Nicole Phinopoulou
Ms. Nicole Phinopoulou is a specialist legal and ESG consultant, with many years of experience in corporate, banking and financial law, as well as in sustainable development strategies.
She is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and University College London (UCL) with a Master’s degree (LL.M.) in Commercial and Corporate Law, while she has completed postgraduate studies in Sustainable Finance and Circular Economy at Cambridge Judge Business School.
Professional experience
• Former Member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
• Former Member of the Board of Directors of the University of Cyprus.
• National Representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the committees:
TC68 – Financial Services
TC322 – Sustainable Finance
• Cooperation with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) on Sustainable Finance issues.
• Providing consulting services to organizations and businesses on:
• ESG strategies and compliance
• ESG Risk Management
• Sustainable Governance Policy Design and Implementation
Specialization
• Nicole is a certified HRDA professional trainer and ESG Expert, specializing in:
• Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• EU Taxonomy Regulation
• Green Bonds and sustainability finance tools.
• Linking sustainability strategies to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Her interdisciplinary experience, academic training and international partnerships make her the ideal guide for professionals who want to integrate sustainability into the core of their business strategy.
Dates
14/10/2025, 15/10/2025, 21/10/2025, 22/10/2025 Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hours
09:00-17:00
Education center
Alasia Hotel, Limassol
Program Duration
28 hours
Program Cost
100% subsidized by the HRDA