As cities around the world confront the climate crisis and the social impacts of tourism, the 2024 GDS-Index highlights inspiring efforts to make tourism more sustainable and regenerative. Now in its ninth year, the GDS-Index assesses 100 destinations, spotlighting the top 40 that are leading the way in sustainable tourism. Serving as both a benchmarking tool and a catalyst for change, the index encourages destinations to improve their social, economic, and environmental impact, setting a new standard for responsible travel.
Rising Leaders in Sustainable Tourism
Scandinavia continues to set the global benchmark, with Helsinki securing the top spot in 2024 after rising three places, followed closely by Gothenburg and Copenhagen. These cities are not just aiming for sustainability; they’re redefining tourism to be restorative and community-oriented. Each has implemented innovative projects that enhance visitor experiences while protecting local resources, reinforcing Scandinavia’s role as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
Outside Europe, Singapore and Sydney stand out as the only non-European cities in the top ten, both climbing by over ten places from last year. Singapore’s city-wide sustainability efforts and Sydney’s impressive visitor management strategies highlight the growing commitment to eco-friendly tourism across the Asia-Pacific.
Top 10 Sustainable Cities in 2024
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Helsinki |
| 2 | Gothenburg |
| 3 | Copenhagen |
| 4 | Bergen |
| 5 | Aarhus |
| 6 | Bordeaux |
| 7 | Singapore |
| 8 | Oslo |
| 9 | Belfast |
| 10 | Sydney |
Innovative Programs and Newcomers
This year, destinations have launched inspiring programs that demonstrate how tourism can positively impact local communities and ecosystems. Helsinki received the Leadership Award for its commitment to becoming net-zero in tourism emissions by 2040. Its proactive destination management and high certification standards set it apart as a leader in green tourism.
Meanwhile, Kumamoto in Japan won the Most Improved Destination Award, thanks to its circular economy initiatives and strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Kumamoto’s journey to sustainable tourism exemplifies the Index’s goal of fostering positive change across diverse global regions.
Copenhagen stands out for its “CopenPay” initiative, which provides visitors with sustainability information and rewards eco-friendly behaviour, helping reduce the city’s tourism-related carbon footprint. Such initiatives illustrate how innovative cities are actively shaping the future of tourism, focusing on long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike.
Biggest Movers and Shakers
| City | Change in Rank | New Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | +19 | 10 |
| Galway | +14 | 25 |
| Bilbao | +10 | 14 |
| Singapore | +10 | 7 |
| Stockholm | -20 | 30 |
Trends in Sustainable Tourism
The 2024 GDS-Index reveals clear trends in how cities are addressing pressing challenges in tourism. Overtourism has become a significant concern, with 84% of destinations now measuring visitor flows to manage capacity effectively. However, only a small fraction conducts comprehensive studies on social and environmental carrying capacity, highlighting an area for growth as destinations strive for balanced visitor impact.
Carbon reduction goals are another major focus, with cities setting ambitious targets for 2030. The average city in the GDS-Index aims for a 60% reduction in emissions, with 30 cities aiming for reductions of 75% or more. Yet, challenges remain: less than half of the cities have crisis management plans in place, showing the need for robust strategies to support resilience.
New regulations are also shaping sustainable tourism. In Europe, upcoming directives like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will impact how destinations report and achieve sustainability goals, with certification processes gaining momentum. The number of certified venues, hotels, and airports has steadily increased, underscoring a commitment to transparent, high standards across the tourism sector.
Conclusion: The Future of Tourism and Sustainability
The 2024 GDS-Index shows remarkable progress in sustainable tourism. Cities like Helsinki, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen continue to lead the way, while new entrants like Kumamoto reflect a growing global movement toward responsible tourism. These destinations are not only reducing their environmental impact but also enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
With climate action and visitor management now central to tourism strategy, cities face both opportunities and challenges. Continued innovation and collaboration will be essential for destinations that want to balance tourism’s benefits with sustainability goals. The future of tourism lies in regenerating local ecosystems, fostering community well-being, and creating meaningful travel experiences.
For a detailed look at the full rankings and insights, visit Global Destination Sustainability’s website.
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