Array
(
    [id] => 140
    [active] => 1
    [city_id] => 64
    [city_name] => Galway
    [contact_name] => Niamh
    [contact_surname] => Stack
    [contact_email] => niamh@galwayconventionbureau.com
    [organisation] => Galway Convention Bureau
    [website] => https://www.galwayconventionbureau.com/
    [environmental_description] => A clear, succinct and ambitious vision for Galway City emerged. This vision, based around Europe 2020 of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, has been driven by Galway City Council through the development of a robust policy framework.

To continue to evolve, Galway City must respond to a rapidly changing world. The existing and emerging strengths of Galway must be capitalised upon to secure the city's competitiveness. Digital technologies must be embraced as international and EU emphasis moves onto smart, sustainable cities. Citizen engagement through collaboration, dialogue and participation in local government must be encouraged and all aspects of diversity, cultural identity and expression must be valued. 

The threats faced by all urban areas, of unemployment, segregation and poverty, must be turned into positive challenges as Galway takes its place as a key driver of economic, social and community development in Europe and beyond.
    [social_description] => Galway is a growing city. The population of the city has grown from 47,000 in 1986 to currently stand at 75,529 and the city has previously had the title of the fastest growing city in Europe. Galway is a cultural, creative city. The arts flourish, with its bohemian and European twist, involving the community and encouraging creativity. 

Galway is a multi-cultural city. Galway is recognised internationally as a city which celebrates
diversity. According to Census, Galway City is the most multi-cultural location in
Ireland with 19.4% of its residents recorded as non-Irish, compared to a national average of
12%. It is also Ireland's only bilingual city with a strong history and tradition of the Irish
language

Galway City and County have natural advantages in terms of location of higher education institutions, public research organisations, a diverse industrial base, a creative economy with an international reputation, and a distinct identity. 

25% of City’s population are students with over 11,000 individuals employed within the education sector of Galway. With established links to universities and R&D institutions, there are high levels of educational attainment and skills throughout Galway.

The county’s richness of culture coupled with diversified sectors are key elements of place-based innovation. From these foundations, there are growing business start-ups, which are evident in Galway’s ICT and food sectors.
    [supplier_description] => Our goal is simple – we want to revitalise the industrial methods of tourism. 

This strategy strongly focusses on managing Galway as a destination by developing its reputation, branding and marketing; building capacity within businesses and communities; developing research; stimulating ingenuity and developing, delivering and managing exceptional experiences.  Such an approach requires a collaborative and sustained effort. 

In preparing this strategy, the Tourism Industry, Local Authorities, Public Bodies and Community organisations believe that Galway offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Ireland’s people, language, heritage, food, culture and landscape through authentic, sustainable and unforgettable experiences.
    [dmo_description] => Galway's Tourism Strategy will be monitored over 5 years and continuously assessed to adapt to a range of changes, including Covid-19. The programme and associated annual Action Plans will provide the context for a range of innovative tourism marketing and development plans, as well as the provision for Government funded projects.

Tourism is a very important industry for the local economy and communities of Galway. 12-14% of businesses in Galway are involved in tourism and the sector accounts for 10-12% of employment in the city (ITIC, 2015). The actions prioritised in this strategy aim to support and develop visitor experiences, increase visitor dwell time, extend the shoulder season and increase revenue throughout the city, within a framework of environmental management and respecting local communities.
    [logo] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_logos/GAuVj2E4XJ4ay3f5Rv36ec3DYM5htpzt9sr9dkRO.jpeg
    [video] => PJaCfSS43PU
    [img_1] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/jocECH6nNeAhAZjX3SIoU6fI3m5YAB4QjrqGllCs.jpeg
    [img_2] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/C6Ifc6MvzBH9LX9HGXLaKiValPfzJRoJqabJRFU1.jpg
    [img_3] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/o9tnom3LCYDn1hB2ARAnqotD3f2o8M5BVbtLcsip.jpg
    [img_4] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/aX5VyUBCycu9P0peNfrXPfxFe2qHIm2VVwlbnaK9.jpg
    [img_5] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/ppK5m0zB77OrI9kkk0vkdIWVwdkP7xBE1JdabLDA.jpg
    [high_env_1] => 30.1
    [high_env_2] => 41
    [high_env_3] => 312.5
    [high_soc_1] => 78.2
    [high_soc_2] => 87.97
    [high_soc_3] => 73
    [high_sup_1] => 41
    [high_sup_2] => 100
    [high_sup_3] => 9
    [high_dmo_1] => Sustainability vision established for meetings and events
    [high_dmo_2] => 0
    [high_dmo_3] => Active monitoring and reporting of positive and negative economic impacts and issues,Active monitoring and reporting of environmental impacts and issues.
    [created_at] => 2020-12-11 06:23:43
    [updated_at] => 2024-03-23 12:01:20
    [year] => 2019
)
Array
(
    [id] => 140
    [year] => 2019
    [city_id] => 64
    [city_name] => Galway
    [score_type] => city
    [Total] => 65.44
    [Total_rank] => 16
    [Environment] => 69.09
    [Environment_rank] => 11
    [Social] => 73.53
    [Social_rank] => 7
    [Supplier] => 68.29
    [Supplier_rank] => 8
    [DMO] => 56.92
    [DMO_rank] => 12
    [longitude] => -9.056790500000034
    [latitude] => 53.270668
    [population] => 79934
    [country] => Ireland
    [region] => Western Europe
    [created_at] => 
    [updated_at] => 2020-12-08 10:06:26
)
Galway 2019 GDS-Index Report
2019 Performance Overview
DMO
Supplier
Social
Environmental
Performance Highlights
Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social
Galway's Tourism Strategy will be monitored over 5 years and continuously assessed to adapt to a range of changes, including Covid-19. The programme and associated annual Action Plans will provide the context for a range of innovative tourism marketing and development plans, as well as the provision for Government funded projects. Tourism is a very important industry for the local economy and communities of Galway. 12-14% of businesses in Galway are involved in tourism and the sector accounts for 10-12% of employment in the city (ITIC, 2015). The actions prioritised in this strategy aim to support and develop visitor experiences, increase visitor dwell time, extend the shoulder season and increase revenue throughout the city, within a framework of environmental management and respecting local communities.
A clear, succinct and ambitious vision for Galway City emerged. This vision, based around Europe 2020 of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, has been driven by Galway City Council through the development of a robust policy framework. To continue to evolve, Galway City must respond to a rapidly changing world. The existing and emerging strengths of Galway must be capitalised upon to secure the city's competitiveness. Digital technologies must be embraced as international and EU emphasis moves onto smart, sustainable cities. Citizen engagement through collaboration, dialogue and participation in local government must be encouraged and all aspects of diversity, cultural identity and expression must be valued. The threats faced by all urban areas, of unemployment, segregation and poverty, must be turned into positive challenges as Galway takes its place as a key driver of economic, social and community development in Europe and beyond.
Our goal is simple – we want to revitalise the industrial methods of tourism. This strategy strongly focusses on managing Galway as a destination by developing its reputation, branding and marketing; building capacity within businesses and communities; developing research; stimulating ingenuity and developing, delivering and managing exceptional experiences. Such an approach requires a collaborative and sustained effort. In preparing this strategy, the Tourism Industry, Local Authorities, Public Bodies and Community organisations believe that Galway offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Ireland’s people, language, heritage, food, culture and landscape through authentic, sustainable and unforgettable experiences.
Galway is a growing city. The population of the city has grown from 47,000 in 1986 to currently stand at 75,529 and the city has previously had the title of the fastest growing city in Europe. Galway is a cultural, creative city. The arts flourish, with its bohemian and European twist, involving the community and encouraging creativity. Galway is a multi-cultural city. Galway is recognised internationally as a city which celebrates diversity. According to Census, Galway City is the most multi-cultural location in Ireland with 19.4% of its residents recorded as non-Irish, compared to a national average of 12%. It is also Ireland's only bilingual city with a strong history and tradition of the Irish language Galway City and County have natural advantages in terms of location of higher education institutions, public research organisations, a diverse industrial base, a creative economy with an international reputation, and a distinct identity. 25% of City’s population are students with over 11,000 individuals employed within the education sector of Galway. With established links to universities and R&D institutions, there are high levels of educational attainment and skills throughout Galway. The county’s richness of culture coupled with diversified sectors are key elements of place-based innovation. From these foundations, there are growing business start-ups, which are evident in Galway’s ICT and food sectors.
Summary
Galway's Tourism Strategy will be monitored over 5 years and continuously assessed to adapt to a range of changes, including Covid-19. The programme and associated annual Action Plans will provide the context for a range of innovative tourism marketing and development plans, as well as the provision for Government funded projects. Tourism is a very important industry for the local economy and communities of Galway. 12-14% of businesses in Galway are involved in tourism and the sector accounts for 10-12% of employment in the city (ITIC, 2015). The actions prioritised in this strategy aim to support and develop visitor experiences, increase visitor dwell time, extend the shoulder season and increase revenue throughout the city, within a framework of environmental management and respecting local communities.
Does Galway Convention Bureau have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Galway have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Galway Convention Bureau report on its sustainability performance?
Environmental
A clear, succinct and ambitious vision for Galway City emerged. This vision, based around Europe 2020 of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, has been driven by Galway City Council through the development of a robust policy framework. To continue to evolve, Galway City must respond to a rapidly changing world. The existing and emerging strengths of Galway must be capitalised upon to secure the city's competitiveness. Digital technologies must be embraced as international and EU emphasis moves onto smart, sustainable cities. Citizen engagement through collaboration, dialogue and participation in local government must be encouraged and all aspects of diversity, cultural identity and expression must be valued. The threats faced by all urban areas, of unemployment, segregation and poverty, must be turned into positive challenges as Galway takes its place as a key driver of economic, social and community development in Europe and beyond.
OF ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE RECYCLED
312.5 ha
HECTARES OF GREEN AREA PER 100 000 POPULATION
Supplier
Our goal is simple – we want to revitalise the industrial methods of tourism. This strategy strongly focusses on managing Galway as a destination by developing its reputation, branding and marketing; building capacity within businesses and communities; developing research; stimulating ingenuity and developing, delivering and managing exceptional experiences. Such an approach requires a collaborative and sustained effort. In preparing this strategy, the Tourism Industry, Local Authorities, Public Bodies and Community organisations believe that Galway offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Ireland’s people, language, heritage, food, culture and landscape through authentic, sustainable and unforgettable experiences.
OF HOTEL ROOMS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF VENUES SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
Social
Galway is a growing city. The population of the city has grown from 47,000 in 1986 to currently stand at 75,529 and the city has previously had the title of the fastest growing city in Europe. Galway is a cultural, creative city. The arts flourish, with its bohemian and European twist, involving the community and encouraging creativity. Galway is a multi-cultural city. Galway is recognised internationally as a city which celebrates diversity. According to Census, Galway City is the most multi-cultural location in Ireland with 19.4% of its residents recorded as non-Irish, compared to a national average of 12%. It is also Ireland's only bilingual city with a strong history and tradition of the Irish language Galway City and County have natural advantages in terms of location of higher education institutions, public research organisations, a diverse industrial base, a creative economy with an international reputation, and a distinct identity. 25% of City’s population are students with over 11,000 individuals employed within the education sector of Galway. With established links to universities and R&D institutions, there are high levels of educational attainment and skills throughout Galway. The county’s richness of culture coupled with diversified sectors are key elements of place-based innovation. From these foundations, there are growing business start-ups, which are evident in Galway’s ICT and food sectors.
78
SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE
88
SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX
73
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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