Costa Navarino, the prime sustainable destination located in the Greek region of Messinia, south-west Peloponnese, has been awarded first place in the category of Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2014.

The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Costa Navarino’s aim to be established as a sustainable tourism destination through a series of practices that have been applied, is recognised by World Travel Awards.

The destination is being developed with respect for Messinia’s pristine natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage, enhancing the local communities, and highlighting the rich traditions of the area.

Costa Navarino won first place in the category, voted for by travel and tourism professionals from around the world, with the awards being presented at a red-carpet Gala Ceremony in Athens – the first time that Greece has hosted the ceremony - as the culmination of three days of events and networking in the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome a new winner to the World Travel Awards roll of honour.

“Already considered one of the strongest brands across Europe, Costa Navarino comes now to even greater attention following its selection by our voters. 

“Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award is one of the most prestigious trophies we award and I heartily congratulate Costa Navarino for the sustainability practices they have put in place.”

Paving the way for prime, responsible and sustainable tourism in Greece, Costa Navarino adheres to strict environmental protection guidelines and principles, as well as vitally contributing to the local area.

Among the environmental practices set in place by the destination are the two water reservoirs which cover irrigation needs, including the two signature golf courses; the largest olive-tree transplanting programme in Europe, a photovoltaic park and a geothermal installation with 123klm of underground pipes.

Alongside the destination’s environmental principles, Costa Navarino offers guests a fully immersive and authentic experience in the Peloponnese region, focusing on the area’s unspoilt landscape and millennia-long heritage, with cultural, educational and sporting activities.

Guests can engage in activities from olive-oil and wine-making to traditional cookery classes and philosophy walks.

This ensures visitors return home with in-depth knowledge about this region and its rich heritage.