Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Estimation of Carbon Emissions due to Tourism in the Island of Crete, Greece
John Vourdoubas

Abstract
Tourism like other industries utilizes fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Estimation of carbon emissions due to tourism in a popular travel destination like the island of Crete, Greece would indicate the ways that emissions could be reduced in order to mitigate climate change. Carbon emissions in various sectors of tourism in Crete including international and domestic transport, accommodation and other activities have been calculated. Available data regarding tourist arrivals, modes of transport, overnight stays carbon emissions in various modes of transport, in accommodation and in other activities have been used in calculations. Annual carbon emissions have been estimated at 488.77 kgCO2 per visitor. International and domestic flights combined with arrivals by ships in Crete have the highest share to the total carbon emissions at 80.69%. Carbon emissions due to tourism including international flights have been estimated at 3.67 kgCO2 per inhabitant in Crete which are high, compared with total carbon emissions in the island at 6.2 kgCO2 per inhabitant. Results indicate that reduction of carbon emissions in international flights is the most appropriate and effective way for reducing carbon emissions due to tourism in Crete.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jthm.v7n2a3