Array
(
    [id] => 121
    [active] => 1
    [city_id] => 86
    [city_name] => Bruges
    [contact_name] => Emmy
    [contact_surname] => Lagast
    [contact_email] => Emmy.Lagast@brugge.be
    [organisation] => Visit Bruges
    [website] => https://klimaat.brugge.be/
    [environmental_description] => Of course, it's lovely to wander aimlessly through the winding streets of Bruges. Exploring Bruges on foot, with or without a tour guide is a great way to discover this many-facetted city. But if you prefer something different  you can go for a bike tour past hidden spots, make a boat trip on the mysterious canals – the arteries of the city - or opt for a romantic horse and carriage ride over centuries-old squares and charming bridges. And while the picturesque town centre is endlessly fascinating we must not forget Bruges’ city ramparts. The green lung encircles almost the entire town. Parks and city gardens offer relaxation, a place to meet up and space to play, but the city’s green areas also contribute to the fight against global warming and purify the air. Bruges is systematically adding more and more green to the city centre and actively involves its residents in initiatives such as green facades, the management of allotment gardens, the realisation of garden streets, etc. With its 8679 ha of green areas, Bruges can certainly be called a green historical city.
    [social_description] => Connection is the basic condition for the development of a warm community. A city that connects people is a city that fascinates and inspires. Visitors are our guests, and we look at them as temporary residents of the city. Bruges therefore encourages contact between its temporary and permanent residents. Despite the high visitor numbers, Bruges residents continue to embrace tourism. No fewer than 90% believe Bruges must remain an important tourist destination. The city continues to score good amongst visitors as well, especially in terms of friendliness and hospitality. According to the Big 7 Travel website Bruges is the third friendliest city in the world. It stands out because of its  charming village feel and locals who go the extra mile to welcome visitors. Bruges is accessible to everyone. Older visitors, holidaymakers with a temporary or permanent disability or people who need extra comfort or care do not have to worry about visiting Bruges. There’s a map and brochure available to guide this type of visitor and offer them the necessary information to prepare the trip to Bruges.
    [supplier_description] => The city of Bruges creates an economic dynamism by focusing on innovation and partnerships with various stakeholders. When looking at jobs, maximal social inclusion is one of the top priorities.
Bruges is implementing the tourism activities with its partners on the basis of a participatory model and is reactivating the existing concept of master classes and workshops in order to share and exchange knowledge and experiences with the sector network. Together with these sector representatives, the city is working on important preconditions for sustainable anchoring touristic entrepreneurship. Focus on a long-term vision above short-term gain. The new Convention Centre is the instrument for transforming Bruges even more into a MICE destination and should revigorate business tourism during weekdays (a moment when there is still room for visitor growth).
    [dmo_description] => Strategic and future-oriented spatial policy choices shape the further development of the city centre. For this city centre, core reinforcement and tourism management are challenges, as well as the redevelopment of valuable architectural heritage. Bruges protects the open space in the town centre and integrates sustainability and climate-adaptive measurements in spatial planning. The city is accompanying tourism development by keeping its impact manageable with actions such as monitoring the pressure of tourism on the housing market, maintaining the selective criteria for new hotels or extensions of existing hotels in the city centre, developing a city-wide vision of lodging development, taking into account the city’s carrying capacity. 
Bruges as a destination is powerfully positioned in the market with the right story, addressed to the right target group, via the right channel at the right time. Therefore the destination is developing and promoting a unique and exclusive offe
    [logo] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_logos/qqFhRYlksdWpkIkJWaIeo07SbEMP2GOaqaqaeQQK.jpeg
    [video] => 
    [img_1] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/5d2f3f7dae2e8.jpg
    [img_2] => 
    [img_3] => 
    [img_4] => 
    [img_5] => 
    [high_env_1] => 22
    [high_env_2] => 59
    [high_env_3] => 8679
    [high_soc_1] => 79
    [high_soc_2] => 86.77
    [high_soc_3] => 75
    [high_sup_1] => 0
    [high_sup_2] => 0
    [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] => None
    [created_at] => 2020-12-11 06:23:42
    [updated_at] => 2024-03-21 12:01:16
    [year] => 2019
)
Array
(
    [id] => 121
    [year] => 2019
    [city_id] => 86
    [city_name] => Bruges
    [score_type] => city
    [Total] => 59.64
    [Total_rank] => 29
    [Environment] => 81.82
    [Environment_rank] => 4
    [Social] => 85.29
    [Social_rank] => 4
    [Supplier] => 46.34
    [Supplier_rank] => 16
    [DMO] => 36.92
    [DMO_rank] => 22
    [longitude] => 3.2246995000000425
    [latitude] => 51.209348
    [population] => 118530
    [country] => Belgium
    [region] => Western Europe
    [created_at] => 
    [updated_at] => 2020-12-08 10:06:24
)
Bruges 2019 GDS-Index Report
2019 Performance Overview
DMO
Supplier
Social
Environmental
Performance Highlights
Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social
Strategic and future-oriented spatial policy choices shape the further development of the city centre. For this city centre, core reinforcement and tourism management are challenges, as well as the redevelopment of valuable architectural heritage. Bruges protects the open space in the town centre and integrates sustainability and climate-adaptive measurements in spatial planning. The city is accompanying tourism development by keeping its impact manageable with actions such as monitoring the pressure of tourism on the housing market, maintaining the selective criteria for new hotels or extensions of existing hotels in the city centre, developing a city-wide vision of lodging development, taking into account the city’s carrying capacity. Bruges as a destination is powerfully positioned in the market with the right story, addressed to the right target group, via the right channel at the right time. Therefore the destination is developing and promoting a unique and exclusive offe
Of course, it's lovely to wander aimlessly through the winding streets of Bruges. Exploring Bruges on foot, with or without a tour guide is a great way to discover this many-facetted city. But if you prefer something different you can go for a bike tour past hidden spots, make a boat trip on the mysterious canals – the arteries of the city - or opt for a romantic horse and carriage ride over centuries-old squares and charming bridges. And while the picturesque town centre is endlessly fascinating we must not forget Bruges’ city ramparts. The green lung encircles almost the entire town. Parks and city gardens offer relaxation, a place to meet up and space to play, but the city’s green areas also contribute to the fight against global warming and purify the air. Bruges is systematically adding more and more green to the city centre and actively involves its residents in initiatives such as green facades, the management of allotment gardens, the realisation of garden streets, etc. With its 8679 ha of green areas, Bruges can certainly be called a green historical city.
The city of Bruges creates an economic dynamism by focusing on innovation and partnerships with various stakeholders. When looking at jobs, maximal social inclusion is one of the top priorities. Bruges is implementing the tourism activities with its partners on the basis of a participatory model and is reactivating the existing concept of master classes and workshops in order to share and exchange knowledge and experiences with the sector network. Together with these sector representatives, the city is working on important preconditions for sustainable anchoring touristic entrepreneurship. Focus on a long-term vision above short-term gain. The new Convention Centre is the instrument for transforming Bruges even more into a MICE destination and should revigorate business tourism during weekdays (a moment when there is still room for visitor growth).
Connection is the basic condition for the development of a warm community. A city that connects people is a city that fascinates and inspires. Visitors are our guests, and we look at them as temporary residents of the city. Bruges therefore encourages contact between its temporary and permanent residents. Despite the high visitor numbers, Bruges residents continue to embrace tourism. No fewer than 90% believe Bruges must remain an important tourist destination. The city continues to score good amongst visitors as well, especially in terms of friendliness and hospitality. According to the Big 7 Travel website Bruges is the third friendliest city in the world. It stands out because of its charming village feel and locals who go the extra mile to welcome visitors. Bruges is accessible to everyone. Older visitors, holidaymakers with a temporary or permanent disability or people who need extra comfort or care do not have to worry about visiting Bruges. There’s a map and brochure available to guide this type of visitor and offer them the necessary information to prepare the trip to Bruges.
Summary
Strategic and future-oriented spatial policy choices shape the further development of the city centre. For this city centre, core reinforcement and tourism management are challenges, as well as the redevelopment of valuable architectural heritage. Bruges protects the open space in the town centre and integrates sustainability and climate-adaptive measurements in spatial planning. The city is accompanying tourism development by keeping its impact manageable with actions such as monitoring the pressure of tourism on the housing market, maintaining the selective criteria for new hotels or extensions of existing hotels in the city centre, developing a city-wide vision of lodging development, taking into account the city’s carrying capacity. Bruges as a destination is powerfully positioned in the market with the right story, addressed to the right target group, via the right channel at the right time. Therefore the destination is developing and promoting a unique and exclusive offe
Does Visit Bruges have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Bruges have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Visit Bruges report on its sustainability performance?
Environmental
Of course, it's lovely to wander aimlessly through the winding streets of Bruges. Exploring Bruges on foot, with or without a tour guide is a great way to discover this many-facetted city. But if you prefer something different you can go for a bike tour past hidden spots, make a boat trip on the mysterious canals – the arteries of the city - or opt for a romantic horse and carriage ride over centuries-old squares and charming bridges. And while the picturesque town centre is endlessly fascinating we must not forget Bruges’ city ramparts. The green lung encircles almost the entire town. Parks and city gardens offer relaxation, a place to meet up and space to play, but the city’s green areas also contribute to the fight against global warming and purify the air. Bruges is systematically adding more and more green to the city centre and actively involves its residents in initiatives such as green facades, the management of allotment gardens, the realisation of garden streets, etc. With its 8679 ha of green areas, Bruges can certainly be called a green historical city.
OF ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE RECYCLED
8679 ha
HECTARES OF GREEN AREA PER 100 000 POPULATION
Supplier
The city of Bruges creates an economic dynamism by focusing on innovation and partnerships with various stakeholders. When looking at jobs, maximal social inclusion is one of the top priorities. Bruges is implementing the tourism activities with its partners on the basis of a participatory model and is reactivating the existing concept of master classes and workshops in order to share and exchange knowledge and experiences with the sector network. Together with these sector representatives, the city is working on important preconditions for sustainable anchoring touristic entrepreneurship. Focus on a long-term vision above short-term gain. The new Convention Centre is the instrument for transforming Bruges even more into a MICE destination and should revigorate business tourism during weekdays (a moment when there is still room for visitor growth).
OF HOTEL ROOMS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF VENUES SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
Social
Connection is the basic condition for the development of a warm community. A city that connects people is a city that fascinates and inspires. Visitors are our guests, and we look at them as temporary residents of the city. Bruges therefore encourages contact between its temporary and permanent residents. Despite the high visitor numbers, Bruges residents continue to embrace tourism. No fewer than 90% believe Bruges must remain an important tourist destination. The city continues to score good amongst visitors as well, especially in terms of friendliness and hospitality. According to the Big 7 Travel website Bruges is the third friendliest city in the world. It stands out because of its charming village feel and locals who go the extra mile to welcome visitors. Bruges is accessible to everyone. Older visitors, holidaymakers with a temporary or permanent disability or people who need extra comfort or care do not have to worry about visiting Bruges. There’s a map and brochure available to guide this type of visitor and offer them the necessary information to prepare the trip to Bruges.
79
SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE
87
SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX
75
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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