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 2024 GDS-Index comprises 77 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.
Montréal is actively engaged in sustainable development through its Montréal 2030 strategic plan, built around four pillars: accelerating the ecological transition, strengthening solidarity and inclusion, amplifying participatory democracy, and fostering innovation. As the destination management organization, Tourisme Montréal plays a key role in this transformation through its Strategy for More Sustainable Tourism, which aims to balance the needs of residents and visitors while minimizing the environmental footprint of tourism activities.
Does Tourisme Montreal have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Montreal have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Tourisme Montreal report on its sustainability performance?
Montréal has adopted a Climate Plan 2020–2030, updated in 2025, aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The city is taking action on multiple fronts: greening living environments, promoting urban agriculture, zero-emission buildings, more sustainable mobility, circular waste management, protection of natural areas, and climate change adaptation. Tools such as heat island modelling, green infrastructure, and sectoral adaptation plans are strengthening urban resilience. Montréal also integrates circular economy principles and responsible consumption into its sustainable development strategy.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
THE CITY’S
2030 CARBON
REDUCTION TARGET
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Montréal offers a structured sustainability program for events and meetings, aligned with its climate and tourism strategies. Organizers are encouraged to adopt more eco-responsible practices: waste reduction, local and vegetarian menus, incentives to use public transit, carbon offsetting, universal accessibility, and more. Tourisme Montréal supports partners in implementing sustainable policies through guides, diagnostic tools, financial incentives, and training. The Palais des congrès, BOMA BEST certified, plays a central role with its Palais Boréal program and innovative infrastructure.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Montréal’s social strategy is based on inclusion, equity, and quality of life. It aims to make the city accessible and welcoming to all, taking into account the needs of vulnerable groups, Indigenous communities, seniors, and newcomers. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the destination promotes cultural diversity, tangible and intangible heritage, and citizen participation through the Réalisons MTL platform. Concrete actions are being implemented to improve universal accessibility in infrastructure and public transit. Tourisme Montréal ensures that tourism products are designed first and foremost for Montrealers, thereby strengthening social acceptability and harmonious coexistence between residents and visitors.
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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