Our History
The GDS-Movement evolved from the Global Destination Sustainability Index; the world’s leading sustainability benchmarking and performance improvement program for destinations, and their visitor economy.
The GDS-Index was inspired by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Scandinavian chapter and MCI, where 15 pioneering cities created the Scandinavian Destination Sustainability Index. It has since evolved into a collaborative partnership between ICCA, IMEX Exhibitions, European Cities Marketing, MCI Group and GUBI consulting.
2010
Birth: The dream for a Scandinavian Destination Sustainability Index took root in Gothenburg, through the collaborative effort of ICCA's Scandinavian Chapter and MCI.
2012
Baby Steps: The first benchmarking results go live for the Scandinavian Destination Sustainability Index.
2015
Going Global: After the concept showed great outcomes, ICCA Scandinavian Chapter, ICCA , IMEX, and MCI sign an MOU to create the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
2017
Growing Partnerships: European Cities Marketing partners with the GDS-Index.
2019
Growing Destinations: The GDS-Index reaches 50 destinations.
2020
Regeneration: The Global Destination Sustainability Movement emerges out of the need to drive the regeneration of destinations. The portfolio of services expands to include consulting, certification, education and training, and a forum.