The Castelli Hotel in Zakynthos was awarded the Silver Award in the “Responsible All-Inclusive Hotels of Europe” category at the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards 2025, organized by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT Global) and awarded on October 16, 2025 in Brussels, sponsored by EasyJet Holidays.
This distinction recognizes all-inclusive hotels that actively incorporate Responsible Tourism, minimizing negative impacts and enhancing positive benefits for the local community and the natural environment.
Castelli Hotel is a family-run, adults-only property in Zakynthos, built around the oldest eucalyptus tree on the island – the owners reduced the original number of rooms in order to preserve and protect the tree.
The hotel actively promotes the importance of sourcing from local producers and using local products, offering its own olive oil, wine from local producers and local produce.
Guests at Castelli have the opportunity to connect with local culture through activities such as olive harvesting and cooking classes. The judges said: “Castelli Hotel is an exemplary example of a hotel that is harmoniously integrated into nature and communicates Responsible Tourism with clarity and sensitivity to its guests.”
ICRT Global’s Mission
ICRT Global (International Centre for Responsible Tourism) was founded in 2002 to promote Responsible Tourism internationally. Through awards, training programmes and partnerships, it promotes ideas and practices that can be implemented by tourism businesses of all sizes and destinations around the world.
EasyJet Holidays’ message
Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer of EasyJet Holidays, a member of the judging panel and present at the event, said: “We are proud to support the European Responsible Tourism Awards. We believe that travel should be a force for good, and we know that the challenges facing the industry require collaboration. That is why we celebrate the work of this year’s winners, who are leading the way for a tourism with substance, benefiting travellers, communities and the planet.”
Castelli Hotel – 33 years of responsible hospitality
Since 1992, Castelli Hotel has remained a family business that has evolved with consistency and love for the place. The hotel holds Travelife Gold, Green Key, ISO 14001 and Bike Friendly distinctions, confirming its continuous commitment to Responsible Tourism.
The owner Mrs. Maria Lougari stated: “We are proud of this award and on this occasion we would like to thank our team and partners, who each in their own way help us make our vision a reality: to offer unique experiences to our guests, with a local character, respect for tradition and support of the local community. Our responsible choices over the years are an upgrade to a more meaningful way of traveling.”
The owner Mr. Antonis Nikoloudakis added: “Nature precedes tourism. Hospitality businesses must utilize the natural environment with respect, creating through tourism a better today and a more promising tomorrow for residents and travelers.”
Responsible tourism offers an upgrade in the travel experience, a deeper connection with local communities, authentic experiences and support for the local economy.
At Castelli, this philosophy is expressed through practices such as the exclusive availability of local wine in the all-inclusive package, Zakynthos raisins, self-produced olive oil, and activities that combine the travel experience with the culture of the place – such as olive harvesting, the loom, cooking classes and the Greek language.
“We hope that many colleagues will be inspired by our practices and that we will all move forward together with ambition and pride for a better tomorrow in Zakynthos and Greece – building through tourism a better today,” concludes the Castelli management team.
