Explore Helsinki’s Sustainable Tourism Practices, A New Model for Global Destinations, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on September 25, 2025

Leaving a mark with cutting edge infrastructure and holistic sustainability practices, Finland’s capital, Helsinki, has yet again garnered the prestigious title of the trendsetter in ‘world’s most sustainable tourist destination’. Helsinki leads the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) index for 2025 for the second consecutive year, owing to the city’s concerted focus on promoting sustainable and green tourism.

The GDS Index ranks over 100 cities around the world and leads cities in over 70 parameters, grouped under environment, supply chain sustainability, social sustainability, and destination management. Helsinki’s consistent top ranking on the list indicates the city’s success in responsible tourism and the reduced environmental impact.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth in Tourism

Helsinki’s victory in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index highlights the city’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth in the tourism sector. The city has carefully crafted strategies to meet the growing demands of travelers while ensuring that tourism development aligns with environmental and social sustainability principles.

Mayor Daniel Sazonov expressed the city’s commitment, stating, “Helsinki is investing in sustainable growth in tourism. Our aim is to make Helsinki a welcoming destination for a steadily rising number of travelers. Being the world’s most sustainable tourist destination for the second year in a row shows that our work for tourism and its sustainability is paying off.”

The city’s ability to maintain its top spot is a testament to the comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to balancing tourism with sustainability. Helsinki has become a beacon for other cities aspiring to integrate environmental consciousness into the fabric of their tourism sectors.

Environmental Leadership: Cleaner, Greener, and More Eco-Friendly Hotels

One of the cornerstones of Helsinki’s success is its commitment to environmental sustainability in its hospitality industry. The city has made significant strides in encouraging environmentally certified hotels, which are crucial to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the tourism industry.

According to Tourism Director Nina Vesterinen, “Up to 99 percent of the rooms of hotels with more than 50 rooms in Helsinki are environmentally certified. This level is significantly higher than in Europe in general.” This high certification rate underscores Helsinki’s leadership in promoting eco-friendly lodging, ensuring that tourists can stay in accommodations that are both comfortable and sustainable.

Moreover, Helsinki has focused on incorporating green energy sources, such as cleaner district heating and renewable energy options, into its tourism infrastructure. These efforts significantly reduce the environmental impact of the city’s accommodation sector, which is a major contributor to tourism-related carbon emissions.

Sustainable Transport: A Green Approach to Getting Around Helsinki

Sustainable transport is another key area where Helsinki has excelled. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of travel, especially within urban areas, the city has been proactive in offering green alternatives for tourists and residents alike.

Helsinki’s public transport system is designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly. The city boasts a well-connected network of electric buses, trams, and ferries, reducing the need for private car usage and minimizing the overall carbon footprint of travel within the city. The city is also expanding its cycling infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly alternatives for tourists who prefer to explore Helsinki by bike.

This focus on green transport not only supports the city’s sustainability goals but also enhances the overall tourist experience. Visitors can enjoy exploring the city without contributing to air pollution or traffic congestion, making Helsinki a more pleasant and livable place for both locals and tourists.

The Role of Certification and Transparency in Sustainable Tourism

Another factor that has contributed to Helsinki’s success in the GDS Index is its commitment to transparency in sustainability efforts. The city has gone beyond superficial “greenwashing” by ensuring that its environmental claims are credible and verifiable, in line with new European Union regulations that demand reliable sustainability practices from all sectors.

Earlier this year, Helsinki became the first city with a population of over 500,000 to receive the prestigious Green Destinations Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. This certification acknowledges the city’s comprehensive efforts to integrate sustainability into its tourism practices across multiple levels, from waste management to energy use.

“For Helsinki, it is essential that sustainability is transparent. Sustainability must be more than just marketing-level greenwashing, which is already demanded by EU legislation requiring environmental claims to be reliable and verifiable,” Vesterinen emphasized. This transparency builds trust among tourists, ensuring that they can confidently choose Helsinki as a destination that truly prioritizes sustainable practices.

A Model for Sustainable Tourism Around the Globe

Helsinki’s continued success as the world’s most sustainable tourist city reflects the increasing importance of eco-conscious travel. Tourists today are more informed and discerning than ever before, and they are actively seeking destinations that align with their values regarding sustainability and environmental responsibility. As more travelers demand sustainable options, Helsinki’s efforts in offering eco-friendly accommodations, transport, and overall management are setting a standard that other cities are striving to follow.

Tourists visiting Helsinki can rest assured that their trip contributes to a city that prioritizes not only their experience but also the well-being of the planet. This growing trend of eco-conscious tourism is reshaping the global travel landscape, and Helsinki is proving that a sustainable tourism sector can be both profitable and responsible.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Helsinki

Working in a forward-looking manner, in terms of sustainability, Helsinki has, and certainly will, continue to invest in the expansion of green open spaces. Also… the city has already secured collaboration with many local and international tourism operators, ensuring sustainability will be a focus of the tourism offer in Helsinki.

Developing and investing in the already existing renewable energy facilities, eco-certified accommodation, and ecologically sustainable transportation, Helsinki demonstrates how tourism and sustainability can be integrated. Helsinki takes pride in hosting the world’s most sustainable tourists cities. Not only does the city offer visitors a chance to explore its rich history and magnificent sceneries, but the visitors will be enlightened and become part of a responsible eco-friendly approach towards tourism of the future.

Helsinki is a benchmark and a leading destination in sustainable tourism for travelers who appreciate genuine encounters of the globe, while also taking pride in all eco-responsible practices. Other cities and countries around the world should advocate for the same.