Guadalajara is the First Latin American Destination to Join GDS-Index Lite

Guadalajara reinforces its leadership in sustainability and meetings tourism by joining the renowned international index of destination sustainability

15 July 2026
Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara is the first destination in Latin America to join the international GDS-Index Lite programme, promoted by GDS-Movement, a world-leading organisation furthering tourism and events sustainability.

GDS-Index Lite is a new offering from GDS-Movement‘s continuous assessment and improvement program, GDS-Index, an initiative with over 10 years of experience helping destinations worldwide move towards more sustainable models through measurement and management. Through a data-driven methodology aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme has supported more than 150 destinations to improve their sustainability policies, strategies, and impact.

GDS-Index Lite allows destinations in the initial* stage of their sustainability journey. to obtain a clear and structured assessment of their current level of sustainability, identifying strengths, priority areas, and opportunities for improvement. Beyond the diagnostic, the programme includes a support process and practical guidance to help destinations define concrete actions, strengthen their strategy, and progressively advance toward international sustainability standards and global leadership.

Joining GDS-Index Lite represents a strategic step for the Mexican city, consolidating its commitment to sustainable development and to attracting international events, congresses, and meetings under responsible, innovative, and positive impact criteria.

This move develops the long-term collaboration between the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Bureau and GDS-Movement. The organisations already worked together on developing the sustainability and legacy strategy for Intermoda, the largest fashion business exhibition in Latin America. This collaboration has driven transformative change in the fashion and events industry, recognising key environmental and social challenges and promoting initiatives aligned with international standards to catalyse a positive impact through concrete actions and measurable results, contributing to the well-being of the place and its local community.

With this addition, Guadalajara strengthens its position in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry, betting on a more regenerative growth model based on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable impact.”We are delighted to welcome Guadalajara to GDS-Index Lite. With it, Guadalajara has demonstrated a clear vision and a firm commitment to transforming its tourism and meetings industry towards a more responsible, resilient, and people-centered model,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement.

Bigwood added: “Our previous experience collaborating on the Intermoda project allowed us to see Guadalajara’s ability to drive innovative initiatives and mobilise local interested parties around common goals firsthand. We are convinced that this is just the beginning of a path with a significant impact for the destination and potentially the region.”

For his part, Gustavo Staufert Buclón, General Director of the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Bureau, emphasised that: “Guadalajara’s inclusion in GDS-Index Lite reaffirms our vision of consolidating our position as a leading destination for international meetings and events tourism in Latin America. This alliance will allow us to continue raising our sustainability standards, generate a positive impact on our community, and strengthen our global competitiveness.”

He also added: “Guadalajara has the talent, infrastructure, and innovation capacity necessary to lead a new generation of MICE destinations committed to more sustainable development and more responsible environmental, social and economic heritage.”

GDS-Index and GDS-Index Lite: How They’re Related

GDS-Index Lite is a starting point for integration into the GDS-Index, one of the leading international standards for measuring and accelerating the sustainable performance of tourism and meetings destinations, evaluating environmental, social, and economic aspects, as well as collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Guadalajara’s inclusion in GDS-Index Lite is an opportunity to continue promoting policies and concrete actions aimed at strengthening the destination’s international competitiveness and generating a lasting positive impact.

*The journey to regeneration is unique to each city or region. GDS-Movement reserves the right to vet applicants at its discretion and limit the timeframe for advancing the full GDS-Index.

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About GDS-Index

GDS-Index is a global benchmarking and performance improvement programme that helps destinations measure, manage, and improve their sustainability performance through a structured, data-driven framework. It assesses environmental, social, supplier, and destination management indicators, enabling cities and regions to benchmark progress and strengthen their competitive edge.

Beyond measurement, GDS-Index supports destinations to build systems to manage, monitor, and continuously improve their sustainability performance. It helps organisations move from fragmented data and reporting to clear indicators, evidence-based decision-making, and structured sustainability management. The programme also provides a development pathway for destination management organisations, guiding them from initial engagement through the implementation of a Sustainable Management System and ultimately towards certification readiness.

About GDS-Movement

GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world. Our mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.