Another unique coastal and underwater cleanup initiative took place in Rhodes, reaffirming the strong commitment of All For Blue and Finland’s largest Finland’s largest tour operator to sustainable tourism.
The successful partnership between All For Blue and Aurinkomatkat (a subsidiary of Finnair) continues with unwavering enthusiasm! Just days after our joint action in Chania, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, our environmental alliance moved to Rhodes, proving in practice that protecting our oceans knows no borders.
Coastal & Underwater Cleanup at Ixia Beach
Forty volunteers gathered on Ixia Beach, including representatives from Aurinkomatkat, Finnish tourists of all ages, and local tourism professionals. Together, as a dynamic team, they joined forces with All For Blue instructors and volunteers for a shared cause.
Before starting, participants attended our educational seminar on the marine ecosystem and the threats posed by plastic pollution. Immediately after, they took action both on the shore and underwater:
- Coastal Cleanup: Participants of all ages combed the beach, collecting all types of litter from the sand.
- Underwater Cleanup: All For Blue’s team of certified divers submerged in the waters of Ixia, retrieving heavy debris that threatened marine life—such as ropes, metal items, and, as seems to be a tradition during our marine surveys in Rhodes, yet another beach umbrella!
In total, 115 kg of waste were removed and recorded in detail, actively protecting the local marine ecosystem.
The Voice of the Volunteers: Testimonials That Inspire Us
The response from travelers and Aurinkomatkat volunteers was heartwarming. Their feedback confirms that visitors to Greece are actively seeking meaningful connection with nature and opportunities to give back to the environment:
“It’s great that you organize cleanup events like this. We would love to see them organized more often, even weekly. There is still a lot of litter around, and it would be good to remind people that if everyone did their part like today’s participants, the environment would be in a much better condition.”
Deep Gratitude & Ongoing Collaboration
We express our sincere gratitude to Aurinkomatkat for their unreserved trust, vision, and meaningful support of All For Blue’s mission. Their decision to integrate environmental initiatives into their guests’ travel itineraries serves as a role model for responsible and sustainable tourism.
Our collaboration does not stop here. We continue together with even greater momentum, transforming holidays in Greece into an experiential journey of respect, protection, and love for our seas.
Spyros Priovolos
Accredited Journalist by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy
All For Blue Team
