Array
(
    [id] => 122
    [active] => 1
    [city_id] => 24
    [city_name] => Aalborg
    [contact_name] => Anne
    [contact_surname] => Voss
    [contact_email] => anne.voss@destination-nord.dk
    [organisation] => Destination Nord
    [website] => https://www.enjoynordjylland.dk/
    [environmental_description] => The city of Aalborg has had sustainability on the agenda for many years with the establishment of “Aalborg Charter”, and continues to push its development towards a more sustainable future. The ‘Aalborg Charter’ (1994) is an urban environment sustainability initiative approved by the participants at the first European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns in Aalborg, Denmark. It is inspired by the Rio Earth Summit’s Local Agenda 21 plan, and was developed to contribute to the European Union’s Environmental Action Programme, ‘Towards Sustainability’. The Charter is based on the consensus of individuals, municipalities, NGOs, national and international organisations, and scientific bodies. More than 3000 local authorities from more than 40 countries have signed the Charter. This has resulted in the largest European movement of its type. In addition to this, Aalborg and the Univ. of Aalborg (AAU) is one of the world's frontrunners in the research and development of green technology. Every year Aalborg holds a sustainability festival week where the city and the municipality invite everyone to showcase their sustainable projects in the city and surrounding area.
    [social_description] => Aalborg is ranked as one of the absolute top cities of Denmark when it comes to social sustainability – which says a lot in a country that is known for its.... 
Social Welfare System: Denmark has a robust social welfare system that provides comprehensive healthcare, education, and social security benefits to its citizens. This ensures a high standard of living and promotes social equality.
Education and Healthcare: Denmark invests heavily in education and healthcare, providing free education up to university level and universal healthcare coverage. This ensures access to quality education and healthcare services for all citizens, contributing to social well-being.
Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Denmark promotes social cohesion and inclusion through policies that aim to reduce inequality and promote integration. Strong social safety nets and inclusive policies foster a sense of community and reduce social disparities.
Work-Life Balance: Denmark prioritizes work-life balance, with policies such as flexible working hours, generous parental leave, and ample vacation time. This helps reduce stress and promote well-being among its citizens.
Gender Equality: Denmark is known for its commitment to gender equality, with policies promoting women's participation in the workforce, equal pay, and representation in decision-making roles.
Low Levels of Corruption: Denmark consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, fostering trust in government institutions and ensuring effective governance.
    [supplier_description] => From the very beginning, Destination Nord (formerly known as VisitAalborg CVB) has been a supporter and a part of the development of the ICCA Scandinavian Sustainability Index, now extended to the Global Sustainability Destination Index. More than half of the hotels in this destination have a certification in sustainability. The largest conference venue of the city,  Aalborg Congress & Culture Center (AKKC), obtained the ISO 20121 certification in 2017, and other venues are aiming for environmental certifications in the near future, as well! In addition to this, Destination Nord/Aalborg  provides information for clients on how to host a sustainable meeting in Aalborg and North Denmark.
    [dmo_description] => The sustainability program for Destination Nord 2023-25 aligns with the national agenda for sustainable growth in Danish tourism. It aims to maintain Denmark's attractiveness as a tourist destination while fostering environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable growth. This entails transitioning Danish tourism towards a model that benefits businesses, tourists, local communities, culture, nature, and society at large.
Destination Nord supports the national strategy by spearheading local tourism promotion efforts and creating optimal conditions for sustainable tourism development in Aalborg, Frederikshavn, Brønderslev, and Læsø municipalities. Additionally, it seeks to influence sustainable development across national tourism organizations, inter-municipal destination companies, and the business sector.
Destination Nord’s purpose is to foster responsible development and have a significant positive impact on the economy, environment, and society. Sustainability is integrated into Destination Nord’s core business strategy, focusing on developing a new tourism geography based on unique landmarks, narratives, and initiatives that generate long-term business and sustainable growth through partnerships, branding, marketing, and knowledge sharing.
Destination Nord’s sustainability ambitions encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects, guided by the principles of resilience and regenerative development. Destination Nord aims to contribute more to society than Destination Nord consumes, protecting and benefiting the local environment and culture. The strategy incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ten principles of the UN Global Compact into Destination Nord’s three focus areas: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability: Destination Nord monitors and reduces its environmental footprint internally and supports tourism stakeholders in transitioning to sustainable practices, with a focus on climate action and waste reduction.
Social Sustainability: Destination Nord prioritizes human rights, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create decent employment opportunities, promote safety, health, and well-being, and educate stakeholders on sustainability and diversity agendas.
Economic Sustainability: Destination Nord works to achieve long-term economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and social inequality. Destination Nord support businesses in adopting circular practices, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure.
The sustainability efforts are overseen by the top management team and a cross-functional sustainability committee led by a Sustainability Manager, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall strategic direction and goals. Detailed action plans with short and long-term targets have been developed for environmental and social sustainability, aiming to make a positive difference in the local community and beyond.
    [logo] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_logos/zURHjRKTxmca6YRfCOdMJJBCYWgBG9Ch51Rge2yv.webp
    [video] => https://www.youtube.com/@EnjoyNordjylland
    [img_1] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/5dba9f79d5de7.jpg
    [img_2] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/5dbaa0a582419.jpg
    [img_3] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/trNHRia1BxwJvmnPvsvPzlc92xe6nUDAXVkNoyI0.jpg
    [img_4] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/kPWgaFx9lKhnqI6ngLAx6CasncCdFDujp5MKGN4M.jpg
    [img_5] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/1suIhd4cUYCqSSHcmqESny5Ak3bmonNVKv2ZWXU5.jpg
    [high_env_1] => 68
    [high_env_2] => 50
    [high_env_3] => 17.389
    [high_soc_1] => 85.2
    [high_soc_2] => 90.09
    [high_soc_3] => 88
    [high_sup_1] => 58
    [high_sup_2] => 100
    [high_sup_3] => 0
    [high_dmo_1] => Sustainability vision established for meetings and events,Sustainability vision established for tourism
    [high_dmo_2] => 0
    [high_dmo_3] => Active monitoring and reporting of positive and negative economic impacts and issues,Active monitoring and reporting of social impacts and issues,Active monitoring and reporting of environmental impacts and issues.
    [created_at] => 2020-12-11 06:23:42
    [updated_at] => 2024-04-16 12:01:17
    [year] => 2019
)
Array
(
    [id] => 122
    [year] => 2019
    [city_id] => 24
    [city_name] => Aalborg
    [score_type] => city
    [Total] => 76.21
    [Total_rank] => 5
    [Environment] => 80
    [Environment_rank] => 5
    [Social] => 91.18
    [Social_rank] => 2
    [Supplier] => 73.17
    [Supplier_rank] => 6
    [DMO] => 67.69
    [DMO_rank] => 9
    [longitude] => 9.921746999999982
    [latitude] => 57.0488195
    [population] => 211684
    [country] => Denmark
    [region] => Nordic
    [created_at] => 
    [updated_at] => 2020-12-08 10:06:24
)
Aalborg 2019 GDS-Index Report
2019 Performance Overview
DMO
Supplier
Social
Environmental
Performance Highlights
Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social
The sustainability program for Destination Nord 2023-25 aligns with the national agenda for sustainable growth in Danish tourism. It aims to maintain Denmark's attractiveness as a tourist destination while fostering environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable growth. This entails transitioning Danish tourism towards a model that benefits businesses, tourists, local communities, culture, nature, and society at large. Destination Nord supports the national strategy by spearheading local tourism promotion efforts and creating optimal conditions for sustainable tourism development in Aalborg, Frederikshavn, Brønderslev, and Læsø municipalities. Additionally, it seeks to influence sustainable development across national tourism organizations, inter-municipal destination companies, and the business sector. Destination Nord’s purpose is to foster responsible development and have a significant positive impact on the economy, environment, and society. Sustainability is integrated into Destination Nord’s core business strategy, focusing on developing a new tourism geography based on unique landmarks, narratives, and initiatives that generate long-term business and sustainable growth through partnerships, branding, marketing, and knowledge sharing. Destination Nord’s sustainability ambitions encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects, guided by the principles of resilience and regenerative development. Destination Nord aims to contribute more to society than Destination Nord consumes, protecting and benefiting the local environment and culture. The strategy incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ten principles of the UN Global Compact into Destination Nord’s three focus areas: environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Environmental Sustainability: Destination Nord monitors and reduces its environmental footprint internally and supports tourism stakeholders in transitioning to sustainable practices, with a focus on climate action and waste reduction. Social Sustainability: Destination Nord prioritizes human rights, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create decent employment opportunities, promote safety, health, and well-being, and educate stakeholders on sustainability and diversity agendas. Economic Sustainability: Destination Nord works to achieve long-term economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and social inequality. Destination Nord support businesses in adopting circular practices, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure. The sustainability efforts are overseen by the top management team and a cross-functional sustainability committee led by a Sustainability Manager, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall strategic direction and goals. Detailed action plans with short and long-term targets have been developed for environmental and social sustainability, aiming to make a positive difference in the local community and beyond.
The city of Aalborg has had sustainability on the agenda for many years with the establishment of “Aalborg Charter”, and continues to push its development towards a more sustainable future. The ‘Aalborg Charter’ (1994) is an urban environment sustainability initiative approved by the participants at the first European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns in Aalborg, Denmark. It is inspired by the Rio Earth Summit’s Local Agenda 21 plan, and was developed to contribute to the European Union’s Environmental Action Programme, ‘Towards Sustainability’. The Charter is based on the consensus of individuals, municipalities, NGOs, national and international organisations, and scientific bodies. More than 3000 local authorities from more than 40 countries have signed the Charter. This has resulted in the largest European movement of its type. In addition to this, Aalborg and the Univ. of Aalborg (AAU) is one of the world's frontrunners in the research and development of green technology. Every year Aalborg holds a sustainability festival week where the city and the municipality invite everyone to showcase their sustainable projects in the city and surrounding area.
From the very beginning, Destination Nord (formerly known as VisitAalborg CVB) has been a supporter and a part of the development of the ICCA Scandinavian Sustainability Index, now extended to the Global Sustainability Destination Index. More than half of the hotels in this destination have a certification in sustainability. The largest conference venue of the city, Aalborg Congress & Culture Center (AKKC), obtained the ISO 20121 certification in 2017, and other venues are aiming for environmental certifications in the near future, as well! In addition to this, Destination Nord/Aalborg provides information for clients on how to host a sustainable meeting in Aalborg and North Denmark.
Aalborg is ranked as one of the absolute top cities of Denmark when it comes to social sustainability – which says a lot in a country that is known for its.... Social Welfare System: Denmark has a robust social welfare system that provides comprehensive healthcare, education, and social security benefits to its citizens. This ensures a high standard of living and promotes social equality. Education and Healthcare: Denmark invests heavily in education and healthcare, providing free education up to university level and universal healthcare coverage. This ensures access to quality education and healthcare services for all citizens, contributing to social well-being. Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Denmark promotes social cohesion and inclusion through policies that aim to reduce inequality and promote integration. Strong social safety nets and inclusive policies foster a sense of community and reduce social disparities. Work-Life Balance: Denmark prioritizes work-life balance, with policies such as flexible working hours, generous parental leave, and ample vacation time. This helps reduce stress and promote well-being among its citizens. Gender Equality: Denmark is known for its commitment to gender equality, with policies promoting women's participation in the workforce, equal pay, and representation in decision-making roles. Low Levels of Corruption: Denmark consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, fostering trust in government institutions and ensuring effective governance.
Summary
The sustainability program for Destination Nord 2023-25 aligns with the national agenda for sustainable growth in Danish tourism. It aims to maintain Denmark's attractiveness as a tourist destination while fostering environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable growth. This entails transitioning Danish tourism towards a model that benefits businesses, tourists, local communities, culture, nature, and society at large. Destination Nord supports the national strategy by spearheading local tourism promotion efforts and creating optimal conditions for sustainable tourism development in Aalborg, Frederikshavn, Brønderslev, and Læsø municipalities. Additionally, it seeks to influence sustainable development across national tourism organizations, inter-municipal destination companies, and the business sector. Destination Nord’s purpose is to foster responsible development and have a significant positive impact on the economy, environment, and society. Sustainability is integrated into Destination Nord’s core business strategy, focusing on developing a new tourism geography based on unique landmarks, narratives, and initiatives that generate long-term business and sustainable growth through partnerships, branding, marketing, and knowledge sharing. Destination Nord’s sustainability ambitions encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects, guided by the principles of resilience and regenerative development. Destination Nord aims to contribute more to society than Destination Nord consumes, protecting and benefiting the local environment and culture. The strategy incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ten principles of the UN Global Compact into Destination Nord’s three focus areas: environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Environmental Sustainability: Destination Nord monitors and reduces its environmental footprint internally and supports tourism stakeholders in transitioning to sustainable practices, with a focus on climate action and waste reduction. Social Sustainability: Destination Nord prioritizes human rights, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create decent employment opportunities, promote safety, health, and well-being, and educate stakeholders on sustainability and diversity agendas. Economic Sustainability: Destination Nord works to achieve long-term economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and social inequality. Destination Nord support businesses in adopting circular practices, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure. The sustainability efforts are overseen by the top management team and a cross-functional sustainability committee led by a Sustainability Manager, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall strategic direction and goals. Detailed action plans with short and long-term targets have been developed for environmental and social sustainability, aiming to make a positive difference in the local community and beyond.
Does Destination Nord have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Aalborg have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Destination Nord report on its sustainability performance?
Environmental
The city of Aalborg has had sustainability on the agenda for many years with the establishment of “Aalborg Charter”, and continues to push its development towards a more sustainable future. The ‘Aalborg Charter’ (1994) is an urban environment sustainability initiative approved by the participants at the first European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns in Aalborg, Denmark. It is inspired by the Rio Earth Summit’s Local Agenda 21 plan, and was developed to contribute to the European Union’s Environmental Action Programme, ‘Towards Sustainability’. The Charter is based on the consensus of individuals, municipalities, NGOs, national and international organisations, and scientific bodies. More than 3000 local authorities from more than 40 countries have signed the Charter. This has resulted in the largest European movement of its type. In addition to this, Aalborg and the Univ. of Aalborg (AAU) is one of the world's frontrunners in the research and development of green technology. Every year Aalborg holds a sustainability festival week where the city and the municipality invite everyone to showcase their sustainable projects in the city and surrounding area.
OF ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE RECYCLED
17.389 ha
HECTARES OF GREEN AREA PER 100 000 POPULATION
Supplier
From the very beginning, Destination Nord (formerly known as VisitAalborg CVB) has been a supporter and a part of the development of the ICCA Scandinavian Sustainability Index, now extended to the Global Sustainability Destination Index. More than half of the hotels in this destination have a certification in sustainability. The largest conference venue of the city, Aalborg Congress & Culture Center (AKKC), obtained the ISO 20121 certification in 2017, and other venues are aiming for environmental certifications in the near future, as well! In addition to this, Destination Nord/Aalborg provides information for clients on how to host a sustainable meeting in Aalborg and North Denmark.
OF HOTEL ROOMS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF VENUES SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
Social
Aalborg is ranked as one of the absolute top cities of Denmark when it comes to social sustainability – which says a lot in a country that is known for its.... Social Welfare System: Denmark has a robust social welfare system that provides comprehensive healthcare, education, and social security benefits to its citizens. This ensures a high standard of living and promotes social equality. Education and Healthcare: Denmark invests heavily in education and healthcare, providing free education up to university level and universal healthcare coverage. This ensures access to quality education and healthcare services for all citizens, contributing to social well-being. Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Denmark promotes social cohesion and inclusion through policies that aim to reduce inequality and promote integration. Strong social safety nets and inclusive policies foster a sense of community and reduce social disparities. Work-Life Balance: Denmark prioritizes work-life balance, with policies such as flexible working hours, generous parental leave, and ample vacation time. This helps reduce stress and promote well-being among its citizens. Gender Equality: Denmark is known for its commitment to gender equality, with policies promoting women's participation in the workforce, equal pay, and representation in decision-making roles. Low Levels of Corruption: Denmark consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, fostering trust in government institutions and ensuring effective governance.
85
SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE
90
SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX
88
SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX
Compare another
Destination

About the Global Destination Sustainability Movement

The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM) brings together the sustainability pioneers of the business and leisure tourism world, working with destinations to co-create their tourism and events strategies, benchmark and improve their sustainability performance and transform value chains in order to catalyse regeneration.

Our purpose is to engage, inspire and enable the business events and tourism industry to become more sustainable and regenerative.

 

Our Methodology

In 2022 the GDS-Index used 70 indicators that evaluate destinations sustainability performance across four key areas. If you are interested, you can read our benchmarking methodology in detail here.

Environmental
Performance

Climate, Energy and Emissions​

Circularity and Waste​

Water​

Air Quality​

Transportation​

Biodiversity​

Social
Performance

SDG Alignment ​

Corruption​

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion​

Health, Safety and Wellness​

Accessibility ​

Resident Engagement​

Supplier
Performance

Hotels​

Airport​

Agencies (PCOs & DMCs)​

Restaurants​

Venues​

Academia​

Destination
Management
Performance

Destination Strategy​

Governance and Reporting​

Policy and Certification​

Capacity Building​

Measurement, Impact and Reporting​

Marketing and Communications​

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion​

Ownership

The GDS­M is not owned by any one organisation. It is operated as a multi-­stakeholder partnership founded and endorsed by IMEX, MCI, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA). Gubi Consulting and Guy Bigwood are responsible for the management of the Secretariat.

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