Sydney, Oslo, Singapore, Copenhagen, And Helsinki Lead New Rankings From 2024 GDS-Index Showcasing Top 40 Sustainable Cities

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The 2024 GDS-Index reveals the top 40 sustainable cities, with Sydney, Oslo, Singapore, Copenhagen, and Helsinki leading in balancing tourism growth and environmental care.

The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has released its 2024 rankings, showcasing the top 40 most sustainable destinations worldwide. These destinations excel in maintaining a strong dedication to sustainable tourism by skillfully managing tourism growth while safeguarding the environment and supporting local communities.

This year, the GDS-Index expanded its evaluation criteria, incorporating regenerative tourism, circular economy initiatives, and enhanced climate action measures. These updates reflect the changing demands of the tourism industry, leading to a notable shift in rankings, with several destinations experiencing lower positions in the 2024 index.

The top 40 destinations for 2024 highlight a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, innovation, and policy-making. Both established and emerging regions are represented, demonstrating their leadership in sustainable practices. For the first time, Helsinki has claimed the number one spot, surpassing Gothenburg, which had previously held the position on and off for several years but now stands in second place. Copenhagen ranks third, further reinforcing its role as a global frontrunner in sustainable destination management.

A comparison of the 2024 GDS-Index top 40 destinations with the 2023 results reveals these shifts in leadership and sustainability efforts.

Top 10 Destinations in the 2024 GDS-Index (and their rankings in 2023):

1. Helsinki – 92.43 (2023: 90.49)
2. Gothenburg – 90.83 (2023: 94.64)
3. Copenhagen – 91.19 (2023: 91.73)
4. Bergen – 86.49 (2023: 90.15)
5. Aarhus – 85.68 (2023: 88.64)
6. Bordeaux – 87.10 (2023: 87.10)
7. Singapore – 83.37 (2023: 81.83)
8. Oslo – 83.26 (2023: 82.46)
9. Belfast – 83.14 (2023: 86.40)
10. Sydney – 80.63 (2023: 77.21)

Additional insights from the data show that some cities have maintained similar positions while others have experienced slight fluctuations. Helsinki has surged to the top spot, overtaking Gothenburg, which previously dominated the rankings.

Newcomers like Limerick, Victoria, Quebec City, Dublin, and Horsens have now joined the ranks of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), while Reykjavik has made a notable return after a brief absence. These additions highlight a dynamic shift in the global sustainable tourism landscape.

Larger metropolitan areas continue to dominate the top rankings, but the Top 40 showcases a balance of destinations with varying population sizes. This demonstrates that sustainability efforts are gaining traction across cities of all scales.

Key Highlights from the Top 40 – The Evolution of Destination Sustainability

Since the inception of the GDS-Index nine years ago, the average performance of sustainable destinations has surged by 23%. Among the Top 10, there has been a remarkable 44% improvement. The gap between cities outside the Top 10 and the overall index average has narrowed, dropping from 28.8% to 23.2%, indicating that even lower-ranked destinations are making significant progress in their sustainability efforts.

Social responsibility is becoming a cornerstone of destination sustainability. Cities that emphasize community involvement and local economic support have been rewarded with higher scores. This trend reflects the growing importance of fostering stronger ties between tourism and local communities.

The 2024 rankings have been shaped by more rigorous evaluation criteria, as the GDS-Index introduced 12 new metrics, refined 28 existing ones, and eliminated five outdated criteria. These changes reflect the increasing complexity of sustainability demands, resulting in 26 of the Top 40 destinations experiencing a decline in scores despite their continued efforts.

In the Supplier and Destination Management categories, there has been a surge in performance. A total of 23 destinations achieved maximum scores, demonstrating the impact of strategic and actionable sustainability plans that focus on both suppliers and overall management.

Regional Insights

A significant shift is underway in the Asia-Pacific region, where several destinations have made impressive strides in sustainable travel. Singapore and Sydney have emerged as regional leaders, reflecting the growing commitment to eco-friendly tourism practices in this part of the world.

In Central and Southern Europe, Bordeaux has taken the lead, surpassing Glasgow, while Zurich has made a notable climb. Paris also stands out, securing a high ranking with its innovative approaches to sustainable tourism and infrastructure development.

In North America, Victoria has overtaken Montreal, cementing its position as a rising star in sustainable travel. Meanwhile, Quebec, Edmonton, and Ottawa have held their ground, continuing to attract environmentally conscious travelers through their dedication to responsible tourism.

As expected, Helsinki remains a trailblazer in Northern Europe, recognized for its innovative sustainability initiatives. Bergen has moved up a spot, further reinforcing its commitment to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Aarhus, a new entrant, highlights the increasing focus on sustainable travel throughout the region.

The GDS-Index’s 2024 rankings underscore the growing emphasis on sustainable practices across the globe, with destinations large and small striving to meet the challenges of modern tourism while fostering a more responsible and regenerative future.

2024 GDS-Index: Regional Leaders in Sustainability

The 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has revealed its top-performing destinations across various regions, highlighting those that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable tourism. The index ranks cities based on several criteria, including their environmental efforts, community involvement, and innovative sustainability practices. Below are the standout destinations by region:

Asia-Pacific

1. Singapore – 83.37
   Singapore leads the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing its strong dedication to sustainable tourism through extensive green initiatives and advanced urban sustainability planning.
2. Sydney – 83.13
   Sydney closely follows, with a growing focus on balancing tourism growth and environmental protection, making it a sustainable destination of choice.
3. Goyang – 78.90
   Goyang’s rise in the rankings underscores the city’s expanding commitment to greener tourism practices.
4. Melbourne – 76.61
   Melbourne continues to promote its eco-friendly approach, incorporating sustainable initiatives across various sectors.
5. Brisbane – 75.23
   Brisbane rounds out the top five for the Asia-Pacific region, increasingly recognized for its green city planning and sustainability-driven tourism efforts.

Central & Southern Europe

1. Bordeaux – 83.37
   Bordeaux leads in Central and Southern Europe, standing out for its forward-thinking sustainability policies and a strong commitment to preserving local culture and the environment.
2. Zurich – 81.08
   Zurich remains a top contender, known for its innovative approaches to sustainable urban development.
3. Bilbao – 80.27
   Bilbao’s commitment to sustainable tourism has earned it a high rank, reinforcing its position as a leader in the region.
4. Lyon – 80.16
   Lyon is steadily gaining recognition for its ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into tourism and urban management.
5. Paris – 77.24
   Paris has made significant strides, emerging as a sustainability pioneer with a focus on responsible tourism and infrastructure.

North America

1. Victoria – 77.17
   Victoria leads in North America, increasingly being recognized for its eco-friendly tourism strategies and environmental conservation efforts.
2. Montreal – 74.54
   Montreal maintains its strong position as a sustainable city, promoting greener tourism and community engagement.
3. Quebec City – 73.74
   Quebec City follows closely, emphasizing local sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious travel experiences.
4. Edmonton – 64.54
   Edmonton continues to develop its sustainability efforts, ranking as a top North American destination.
5. Ottawa – 55.98
   Ottawa rounds out the region, making progress in sustainability-focused tourism.

Northern Europe

1. Helsinki – 92.43
   Helsinki remains the undisputed leader in Northern Europe, celebrated for its cutting-edge sustainable initiatives across multiple sectors.
2. Gothenburg – 90.83
   Gothenburg continues to perform exceptionally, reflecting its long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
3. Copenhagen – 88.19
   Copenhagen holds a top position thanks to its consistent leadership in green city planning and innovative sustainable tourism practices.
4. Bergen – 86.49
   Bergen’s rise showcases its commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting social and economic well-being.
5. Aarhus – 85.68
   Aarhus makes a strong impression, highlighting the city’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its tourism and development projects.

5 Key Insights from the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index

1. When It Rains, It Pours: Unprepared for Climate Emergencies
A significant gap has emerged between the ambitious climate targets of many destinations and their actual preparedness to handle the rapid onset of climate change. Less than half of the major cities ranked in the index have comprehensive crisis management plans for tourism and events. This raises serious concerns, particularly as climate-related emergencies become more frequent and intense in 2024, posing growing threats to global travel and tourism.

2. Certified Change: EU Regulations Drive Accountability
With upcoming EU sustainability regulations, there’s a notable rise in third-party certifications across hotels, venues, and airports, emphasizing a shift towards increased accountability. However, many destinations still face challenges in fully adopting and enforcing these third-party-verified standards. This movement towards certification is crucial for aligning the tourism industry with global sustainability goals.

3. Residents’ Rights: The Challenge of Overtourism
As overtourism becomes a pressing concern, only 13% of the top 40 destinations have conducted essential social carrying capacity studies to gauge the impact of tourism on local communities. The lack of such studies highlights the need for stronger visitor management strategies to protect environmentally and culturally sensitive areas, ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of local well-being.

4. Bold, Truthful, and Transparent Storytelling
The phenomenon of “greenhushing,” where destinations underreport or conceal their sustainability efforts, has decreased to 30%, indicating a growing willingness to communicate openly about sustainability. Currently, 62% of destinations include their sustainability performance in reports, and 80% share information about sustainable practices of key suppliers. However, only 61% disclose details regarding their strategies for sustainable events, showing room for improvement in transparency.

5. Data-Accelerated Decision Making: A New Era in Tourism Management
Destinations are increasingly utilizing data to drive their sustainability goals, with a notable rise in tracking social, environmental, and economic indicators. This data-driven approach marks a transformative shift toward more informed and strategic decision-making, paving the way for more effective and sustainable tourism management in the future.

Guy Bigwood, CEO, GDS-Movement, concludes: “The 2024 GDS-Index results show that the path to a more sustainable visitor economy is more critical than ever. As global destinations face the multiple pressures of climate change, inequality, and overtourism, forward-thinking governance, transparency, and innovative practices will be the key drivers of lasting impact. The success of the Top 40 destinations highlights the power of collective action and a commitment to regenerative tourism that benefits both people and place.” 

The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) is a widely respected performance improvement program designed to evaluate and accelerate the sustainability efforts of destinations on their regenerative journey. It assesses, benchmarks, and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of over 100 destination management organizations (DMOs), municipal authorities, and their tourism supply chains.

Co-founded in 2016 by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), IMEX Group, and MCI, the GDS-Index serves as an essential resource for visitors, DMOs, municipalities, and event planners. It provides critical insights for those seeking destinations that prioritize sustainability and deliver exceptional performance in environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through this comprehensive program, destinations are empowered to adopt more sustainable practices, ensuring a positive impact on both tourism and the local environment.