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.
Ottawa is a safe, friendly, G7 capital which has, just like Canada itself, elements of sustainability woven throughout its fabric. Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa.
Does Ottawa Tourism have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Ottawa have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Ottawa Tourism report on its sustainability performance?
With electric boats on its waterways, hundreds of kilometres of bike paths, a Greenbelt which surrounds the core of the city, and an internationally award-winning and LEED-certified conference centre, visitors can connect with nature and visit responsibly in a variety of environmentally friendly ways. Ottawa Tourism remains committed to working towards greater environmental sustainability and is actively seeking ways in which we can encourage greater environmental stewardship in our capital.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Ottawa is home to the internationally award-winning and LEED-certified Shaw Centre, where a focus on environmental responsibility has inspired multiple green initiatives included but not limited to comprehensive waste management, storm water recycling, and “heat-island-reducing” architecture. When visitors arrive by airport, they fly through one of only two Carbon Accreditation Program Level 3+ accredited airports in North America.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Ottawa Tourism is dedicated to encouraging responsible travel and creating a positive benefit in our community through tourism. The focus on made-in-Ottawa products and services allows for innovative local partnerships and re-investment in our community. Our destination’s commitment to cultural sustainability is evident in the diversity of Indigenous-run businesses and partnerships throughout the capital, as well as our commitment to promoting a diversity of businesses and lived experiences.
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.
Copyright GDS-Movement 2024. All rights reserved.
