This month sees the launch of the Global Destination Sustainability Index, which describes itself as “the first-ever sustainability ranking for event destinations worldwide”.
The GDS-Index aims to promote the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations, highlighting best practices and responsible business tourism. In a world increasingly focused on responsible business and environmental impact, the GDS-Index helps destinations to engage clients with sustainability, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of sustainable practices in their city.
The GDS-Index will evaluate the sustainability performance of cities and bureaus in four key areas: – City environmental strategy and infrastructure – City social sustainability performance – Industry supplier support (restaurants, hotels and convention centres) – Convention Bureau strategy and initiatives “Our vision is to have over 100 cities benchmarking and collaborating together by 2020. Today I am pleased to announce we have 25 Scandinavian cities based in Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Sweden, as well as our first wave of global cities including Barcelona, Geneva, Stuttgart and Sydney,” said Guy Bigwood, MCI Group Sustainability Director and GDS-Index project leader”.
