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TravelDailyNews: How important are environmental issues for the culture of the Danish travellers?
Tom Norring: The typical Danish traveller does not exist. Danish travellers are as different as we all are as human beings. This being said there is no doubt that many Danish travellers rank environment very high when choosing their destinations. Clean air and water, beaches in pristine condition, unspoiled landscapes, litter-free cities and litter-free nature are important criteria for many Danish travellers.
Danes are very environmentally conscious and as such are in favour of renewable energy sources, e.g. solar panels, windmill parks, hydropower etc. Many Danish travellers actually see e.g. windmill parks – not as marring the landscape – but as indicating “well, here they really care about environment and our common planet”. This is quality tourism to many travellers from Denmark.
TDN: What is the opinion of Danish tourists regarding the environmental issues in Greece?
T.N.: Approximately 350.000 Danish tourists visit Greece annually. Greece is one of the top recurring holiday destinations for Danes. This has to do with many things. The hospitality of the Greeks and the cultural experiences you can have here; the weather and the food to mention other attractions. But it has also very much to do with the beauty of the country. In Greece many Danes believe they can have unspoiled experiences. A crystal blue sea. A clear blue sky.
If they are to return year after year it is important for Danish travellers that these attractions are maintained and developed. This is in particular true in a globalised world with tough competition between destinations and tourist resorts.
Therefore Danish travellers support an active and ambitious approach to environment at their holiday destinations. This is indeed also the case for Greece. For instance Danes would not see windmills on the horizon or solar panels on the terrace as an eyesore but welcome such sights as sensible and obvious; as symbols of the clean environment they seek. Therefore Greek environmental awareness would strengthen the position of Greece as a favourite holiday destination for Danish travellers. And not least important: Danes are willing to pay for it. To ensure that their children play on a clean sandy beach for instance.
TDN: How can Danish companies help and advise Greek companies on environmental issues, having in mind the differences in culture of the two countries?
T.N.: Environmental challenges are becoming increasingly visible and ominous. There is a growing recognition, also in countries like Greece, that new measures to fight climate change and environmental issues are absolutely necessary. Dialogue and exchange of experiences are important tools to strengthen the efforts needed to meet these challenges.
Denmark has broad knowledge of environmental protection and has for many years pursued one of the world’s most ambitious environmental policies. Within commercial solutions, research and technology Danish companies, institutions and personalities are at the forefront of global developments in the areas of environment, energy efficiency and climate change.
My country and my embassy work actively to increase the exchange of experiences, technologies and products between Denmark and Greece. This will benefit us both.
To mention a concrete example, the Danish Embassy in Athens hosted a large scale conference on climate change and environment in Athens on 20 November 2008. The aim was to provide inspiration and facilitate a closer dialogue between Danish and Greek capacities and companies. This conference will definitively give impetus to further cooperation between Danish and Greek authorities as well as companies on solutions to environmental, climate and energy issues.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
