Index looks at destinations’ environmental strategy and social sustainability initiatives.
The 2019 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index) has revealed most sustainable business tourism and events destinations.
Gothenburg came top for the fourth year running, with a score of 89.64 out of a possible 100 points. And, with a 7% improvement from last year, Gothenburg received the 2019 GDS-Index Leadership Award.
The index promotes the sustainable growth of destinations, regions and countries and is increasingly used on a political level to allow local governments to evaluate their progress in sustainability
It benchmarks performance across four key areas: environmental strategy and infrastructure; social sustainability performance; industry supplier support; and the destination management organisation’s strategy and initiatives.
Annika Hallman, director at Gothenburg Convention Bureau, said: “The GDS Index has been a powerful lever in our sustainability work. It has helped us to improve performance and inspire others to become more sustainable.
“We have lectured and received study visits from other cities and used our top position to drive the sustainable development of the global meeting industry, as well as strengthening Gothenburg’s profile as a leading congress and convention destination”.
New destinations who advanced into the top 10 included Aalborg and Dublin, with significant jumps in performance for Glasgow, Sydney and Zurich.
Aileen Crawford, head of conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau, said: “Glasgow’s ambition is to be at the forefront on climate action and we are determined to become the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2030 and a world-leading centre for sustainable policy and innovation.
“Being named as one of the world’s top five sustainable conference and business events destinations by the Global Destination Sustainability Index shows the great strides that we are making in that respect.”
For the first time, the GDS Index Best Improver Award was presented to a region, with the honours going to the Meet in Ireland Partnership representing Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Kerry.
The GDS Index is a collaborative partnership between ICCA, ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter, IMEX, ECM and MCI Group.
By Mark Williams