The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks, and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations.
The GDS-Index is aligned with international standards; UN SDGs, GSTC Destination Criteria, UNWTO.
Click here to read more about the benchmarking methodology including data collection and verification, the four benchmarking categories, governance and criteria development and performance scoring methods.
This page highlights each destinations sustainability journey and will showcase their journey.
The 2023 GDS-Index comprises 69 indicators across four categories. Here is the total score and the score for the four categories for this destination.
Environmental
Social
Supplier
Destination Management Organisation
Environmental
Includes a city's performance pertaining to its policies and infrastructure, such as climate change commitment, carbon emissions, renewable energies, resource and water management, public transport, and air pollution levels.
Social
Indicates the performance of the city against indicators of SDG integration, Corruption, Personal Safety, Access to Information and Communications, Health and Wellness, and Inclusivity, using external sources such as the Social Progress Imperative Index, and Corruption Perceptions Index.
Supplier
Addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings' industry supply chain, including airports, events agencies, hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Destination Management Organisation
Indicates the sustainability commitment, including questions pertaining to maturity of a destination's sustainability and regeneration strategy, leadership, communication of sustainability initiatives (to support client planners), and the accuracy of their reporting on sustainability operations.
Basel Tourism is dedicated to ensuring that by 2030, tourism in Basel and its surrounding areas has the most positive impact possible on local and global scale.Based in the north of Switzerland, Basel is a dynamic city known for its commitment to high-quality tourism, providing visitors with experiences that go beyond just seeing sights. Serving as a key hub, Basel drives regional economic growth by promoting sustainable practices and highlighting the importance of local resources. With its diverse cultural scene, Basel acts as a bridge between different communities, promoting unity amidst diversity and fostering mutual understanding. Visitors not only witness sustainability efforts in Basel but actively participate, contributing meaningfully to the preservation of our planet. Additionally, Basel's tourism industry offers attractive job opportunities in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity. With notable features such as Switzerland's largest district heating network and free public transportation, Basel embodies modern urban living while preserving its rich heritage.
Does Basel Tourism have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Basel have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Basel Tourism report on its sustainability performance?
Since 2009, Basel has been proudly relying solely on renewable electricity. Demonstrating foresight, Basel introduced a tax incentive for electricity conservation as far back as 1998. Our city's energy strategies are geared towards achieving a carbon-neutral future. Looking ahead, Basel aims to phase out gas usage by 2030, mandating that all new heating systems utilize renewable sources. Taking responsibility for our waste, Basel incinerates it responsibly, with the remaining residue being disposed of safely. Furthermore, Basel has proactively developed a comprehensive biodiversity strategy, implementing regular assessments and action plans to safeguard our environment's health and diversity.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Basel is committed to fostering sustainable practices in events and conferences, aiming to promote year-round tourism for congresses and business events to increase utilization, particularly during quieter months. With a focus on sustainability, the city is actively seeking to attract major events that will leave a lasting legacy in Basel. In 2024, Basel will take significant steps towards achieving these goals, including the publication of sustainable event guidelines featuring local insights and the development of a legacy program for large-scale events. Additionally, efforts will be made to secure contracts for at least six actively managed congresses, further enriching the city's event landscape and ensuring its long-term success as a premier destination for conferences and events.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
The population of the canton of Basel-Stadt has been steadily approaching and surpassing the 200,000 mark over the past decade. As of December 31, 2023, the canton of Basel-Stadt was home to 206,308 people. At the end of 2023, the proportion of foreigners in the neighborhoods of Rosental (58%), Klybeck (53%), and Kleinhüningen (52%) was the highest. The largest group of immigrants comes from Germany (2,252 individuals). Among the total of 193,002 employees in the canton of Basel-Stadt, 48% are women.
The 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.
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