The latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index has shown Scandinavia leading the way, with the top six destinations all coming from countries in the region. Gothenburg was the overall winner with a score of 94% on the GDS Index, a rating system designed to recognise responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry.
This is done by measuring and comparing the social and environmental sustainability strategies, policies and performance of participating cities around the world. According to the GDS Index:
“Gothenburg is one of the world’s most progressive cities when it comes to addressing climate and environmental issues. The regional climate target is to be fossil-independent by 2030 and Gothenburg was the first city in the world to issue Green Bonds to accelerate investments in climate-oriented solutions.”
At the announcement of the rankings, Copenhagen received the Innovation Award, as well as moving up one place in the index from third last year to second.
“We’re really excited to receive the Innovation Award for our sustainable destination strategy, Tourism for Good,” said Kit Lykketoft, director at Conventions and Wonderful Copenhagen.
“We have improved last year’s score and are now ranked second in the world on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. This is a great appreciation of the efforts being made in Copenhagen, as we continuously look for new ways to become more sustainable.”
Source Conference& Incentive Travel