Abstract
Investigation of the relationship between renewable energies and tourism industry in the island of Crete, Greece is important for economic and environmental reasons. Renewable energies are abundant in this island while Crete is a popular and attractive tourist destination. Development of renewable energies has a positive impact on climate change mitigation while promotion of green tourism increases its sustainability and reduces its ecological footprint. Development of renewable energy systems as well as tourism industry in Crete has positive impacts on the regional economic growth. Various renewable energy technologies are currently mature, reliable and cost-effective and they can be used in various applications without any financial support. Existing renewable energy installations operating in Crete for heat and electricity generation including energy systems installed in hotels have been examined. Solar energy is the most widely used benign energy source in Cretan hotels. The possibility of developing energy tourism as a new alternative option for the local tourism industry has been discussed. The nexus between renewable energies and tourism industry in the island of Crete results in various economic, social and environmental benefits. Therefore its relationship should be increased in the future due to the resulted benefits.