The Finnish capital ranked first in the latest Global Destination Sustainability Index. The Global Destination Sustainability Index measures the sustainability of travel destinations in four different categories using more than 70 indicators. The comparison includes over a hundred cities around the world who have invested in sustainability. Helsinki has performed well on the GDS Index: in 2023 our ranking was fourth.
Helsinki’s long-term efforts are rewarded by being named the world’s leading sustainable travel destination. We are working with tourism operators and residents to develop and grow tourism sustainably. The first place we have now achieved indicates that we are on the right path,” comments Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki.
Visitors value sustainable destinations and services
The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index) evaluates sustainability within four key areas. These are Destination Management, Supplier Performances, Environmental Performances, and Social Performances. Helsinki has historically performed very well on the index, especially in terms of environmental performance at city level.
This year, Helsinki was ranked first for Destination Management, Environmental Performance, Supplier Performance and Environmental Performance. It was ranked second in Social Progress. The city invests to enhance the social sustainability of tourism, by supporting local businesses in their journey towards sustainability and increasing resources allocated for the development of tourist destination.
International studies show that travellers are increasingly seeking out sustainable destinations and services. There will no doubt be increasing demand for the world’s most sustainable tourist destination in the future,” says Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director at the City of Helsinki.
The work continues on smart and sustainable tourism
Helsinki’s city plan has set a goal to be the smartest and most sustainable tourist destination. Helsinki’s Climate Action Plan for Tourism and Events also outlines Helsinki’s goal of being at the top of the world in terms of sustainability, as verified by indexes and certifications. The goal is to achieve the number one spot in the Global Destination Sustainability Index by the year 2025.
Helsinki is committed to reduce emissions in all its activities, not just tourism. Helsinki’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Carbon neutrality targets can be achieved by increasing the use of renewable energy for heat and electricity production as well as energy-efficient measures in buildings. The City of Helsinki also invested in low emission transport solutions. More than 30 percent of bus fleets in the Helsinki region have been electrified and over 30 kilometers of new tramways in Helsinki will be introduced over the next decade.
The City of Helsinki has several sustainability-related projects and measures underway. In terms of tourism the most important are the development and inclusion of tourism as well as additional investments to involve local residents in tourism development. The City of Helsinki measures tourism’s carbon footprint, promotes the Climate Action Plan for Tourism in Helsinki, and supports tourism businesses on the path of sustainable travel. The City of Helsinki also wants to work closely with other tourist destinations at a national and global level.
