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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.

Performance Overview

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.

Total

0%

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.

Sustainability Journey

Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social

Keeping up with the latest trends and sustainable development is our utmost priority, just as it is for city officials. We hold the well-being of both the environment and people in high regard. Although we have set ambitious goals, we recognize that we are just at the beginning of our journey. Our company has taken several steps towards sustainability, beginning with simple changes like eliminating plastic usage in accordance with the "Gdansk without Plastic" city project. We also prioritize promoting local culture through initiatives such as "Tastes of Gdansk." This project involves local restaurants recreating traditional 19th-century dishes that were once enjoyed by residents of Gdansk. During summer, it can be a challenge to avoid the seasonal crowds in the city centre. However, the city has come up with a solution by creating alternative and appealing tourist spots in the revitalized post-shipyard areas. We, as the DMO, have made it our responsibility to closely observe how tourism affects the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the community.

Does Gdansk Convention Bureau have a Sustainability Strategy?

Does Gdansk have a sustainable destination certificate?

Does Gdansk Convention Bureau report on its sustainability performance?

Gdansk has undertaken numerous initiatives to promote sustainable development. The city's focus has been on promoting eco-friendly transportation modes, such as expanding the tram network, establishing cycling infrastructure, and creating pedestrian-friendly zones. The ultimate goal is to decrease dependence on private vehicles and promote the use of public transport, walking, and cycling. It is important to mention that Gdansk has been actively expanding its network of bicycle routes, with a current total of 861.8 km of available paths. The management of waste in the city is commendable, thanks to the implementation of recycling programs and separate waste collection systems. Gdansk's waterside location is a significant advantage. The city boasts access to the Gulf of Gdansk, three rivers, numerous streams, and their tributaries, along with retention reservoirs. Additionally, drainage canals contribute to the water system of the city. The importance of these areas has led to the creation of the Gdansk Water Policy, which aims to promote sustainable development and preserve natural values while bringing residents closer to water and enhancing flood protection measures. Gdansk Green Policy serves as a guide for enhancing the city's greenery and making it more accessible to its residents. The policy aims to improve the quality of life for residents and adapt to climate change. The goals will be achieved through measures such as expanding the area and quality of green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing their development standards. Additionally, the policy aims to protect new areas, establish more connections between green spaces, and implement sustainable management of the buffer zone in municipal forests. Both policies include the idea of preserving and developing blue-green belts throughout the city, which are natural links along waterways and at the intersection with the Gulf of Gdansk. These blue-green zones ensure the continuity of greenery throughout the city, promote biodiversity, enhance retention, and facilitate adequate ventilation, ultimately aiding the city's adaptation to climate change.

0%

OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES

24%

OF WASTE
RECYCLED

405 ha

HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION

The city is ideal for sustainable MICE tourism due to its favorable conditions, such as short distances between the airport and the centre, and walkable access to everything in the centre. The city is easily accessible by car, plane, as well as numerous rail and ferry connections with Scandinavian countries. The hotel base is modern and built with energy efficiency in mind. Additionally, the public transport system is well-developed, including buses, trams, and railways, supported by shared cars and scooters, along with an extensive network of bicycle routes. The city also has an efficient waste segregation system in place. Event organizers and their host facilities are encouraged by GCB to prioritize sustainable activities such as promoting the use of public transport and offering affordable event tickets, organizing programs that minimize the need for long-distance travel, decreasing plastic consumption by eliminating single-use plastics and using tap water, and advocating for technology-based solutions that reduce the need for paper in one-time event programs and printed entrance tickets. GCB advocates for vegetarian catering using locally sourced ingredients during their organized events. Additionally, they are taking steps to measure the carbon footprint of these events, with the goal of reducing it in the future.

0%

OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

0%

OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

0%

OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

Gdansk, without a doubt, is committed to achieving inclusive urban development to improve the quality of life for all its residents. The city is taking bold steps by investing in accessible infrastructure, revitalizing public spaces, and encouraging mixed-use development to ensure that different social groups can thrive within the city. Gdansk values its cultural heritage and works to preserve and promote it. The city supports the renovation and conservation of historic buildings, monuments and cultural facilities, ensuring their accessibility for both residents and visitors. Gdansk has made significant progress towards creating a more inclusive and equal society. Since 2018, the city has been working towards implementing the Model for Equal Treatment, which aims to promote equal opportunities and protection against discrimination for all residents. This initiative covers a wide range of factors, including gender, age, ethnic origin, national identity, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. In addition, the city has been actively promoting the "Gdansk is the City of Equality" campaign since 2022. This campaign serves to raise awareness about the importance of equal rights and to combat hate speech and discrimination in all forms. Gdansk is a city that values diversity and strives to ensure that all residents can participate in society fully. The city is committed to enhancing its inclusivity for people with disabilities, particularly those who are interested in experiencing the city's cultural and tourist offerings. To achieve this goal, the city is conducting audits to evaluate the accessibility level of tourist facilities and cultural institutions. What makes this initiative unique is that the audits are being carried out by people with disabilities themselves, including those with mobility, hearing, and visual impairments, as well as parents of children with disabilities. These individuals provide comprehensive feedback, from planning their visit to purchasing tickets, exploring the attractions, and shopping for souvenirs before returning home.

SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE

SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX

SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX

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