Array
(
    [id] => 260
    [active] => 1
    [city_id] => 3
    [city_name] => Reykjavik
    [contact_name] => Hildur
    [contact_surname] => Bæringsdóttir
    [contact_email] => hildur@meetinreykjavik.is
    [organisation] => Meet in Reykjavik - Iceland Convention Bureau
    [website] => https://meetinreykjavik.is/
    [environmental_description] => The City of Reykjavik won the Nordic Nature and Environment Prize 2014 and was awarded the Greenest city in the world by Green City Times. The President of Iceland and the people of Iceland were presented with the first-ever Atkinson Center Award for Global Leadership in Sustainable Development for promoting the use of renewable energy while reducing it´s own reliance on fossil fuels. Reykjavík uses geothermal and hydropower for ALL electric consumption and heating and its allready limited emission of greenhouse gas will be further reduced by 35% in 2020. The city promotes all year round cycling and is further building out its cycling path system with resting places and maps. Currently there are no taxes on importation of electric cars and there is free parking in Reykjavik, resulting in substantial increase in ownership of electric cars. There has been an increase by 700% in ownership of electric cars since the first electric charger station was opened in 2014, bringing the market share of pure battery electric vehicles to 2,74%.
    [social_description] => In Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, you can not only breathe clean air and drink unspoiled water straight from a stream but you can find equality and peace. We aim high in equal rights and to no surprise came first in the Global Gender Gap report in 2015. Scoring first in political empowerment and educational attainment. Our former president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was the first female democratically voted as president in the world and our former female prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was named one of the 75th most powerful women in the world according to Forbes.

We have been in first place in the Global Peace Index since 2011 and to no surprise Yoko Ono selected Iceland for the Imagine Peace Tower. Icelanders score high above OECD Better life index average job employment and are according to the World database of happiness a happy nation with happy life years and satisfied with life.
    [supplier_description] => "Capture the energy in Iceland" is certainly a valid slogan as the country is said to be a global leader in sustainability. Reykjavik has the largest geothermal heating system in the world which makes the meeting spaces naturally eco friendly and the tap water is famous for being pure and untainted with chemicals and minerals. Meetings and events of the future will consider and incorporate social responsability, sustainability and recycling initiatives when making decisions to choose destinations, hotels and venues

Green meetings is a growing demand and in Reykjavík there are many conference hotels as well as the Conference Centre Harpa that have adopted strict environmental policies. Harpa is believed to be one of the most eco-friendly conference centre in the world. The building was designed to use most natural light through its glass facade, which covers three of the four sides of the building and results in significant reduction in power consumption.
    [dmo_description] => Meet in Reykjavík is the official Convention Bureau for Iceland and Reykjavík City. Our mission is to help business event planners create an unforgettable event in a one-of-a-kind destination. Meet in Reykjavík is a part of Business Iceland, a public-private partnership established to lead the promotion and marketing of Iceland in foreign markets and stimulate economic growth through increased export. 

A long-term strategy for Icelandic export industries was approved in 2019. The strategic goal for Icelandic tourism is to ensure sustainable and equitable growth in all regions that emphasizes quality and professionalism. 

Another important factor of the new strategy is commitment to a unified export brand for Icelandic export industries with the vision of Iceland to be recognized as a leading country in sustainability.

The mission of the strategy is to develop clear branding for Iceland and Icelandic export industries and share true compelling stories to inspire trust in our capabilities and values.

Our vision and mission is built on four interconnected brand pillars that create a circular brand story: Our nature has shaped our people, people innovate, innovation drives sustainability, which helps nature thrive.
    [logo] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_logos/6tvgNt1iw8vqziPDI05sdYAQOHQrsJkle37l2eer.png
    [video] => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s8gagoBSc
    [img_1] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_photos/5b3a12d2eebf9.jpg
    [img_2] => 
    [img_3] => 
    [img_4] => 
    [img_5] => 
    [high_env_1] => 100
    [high_env_2] => 78
    [high_env_3] => 4281
    [high_soc_1] => 78.2
    [high_soc_2] => 91.09
    [high_soc_3] => 75
    [high_sup_1] => 53
    [high_sup_2] => 0
    [high_sup_3] => 30
    [high_dmo_1] => Sustainability vision and action plan established for events,Sustainability vision and action plan established for tourism,Multi year strategy (+3 years),Aligned to the city's overall development agenda (not just tourism and events),Aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
    [high_dmo_2] => 0
    [high_dmo_3] => Performance data (KPIs) from the previous and/or current year is published on the DMO website,Performance data (KPIs) from the previous and/or current year is included in Annual DMO or sustainability report
    [created_at] => 2021-10-26 12:01:56
    [updated_at] => 2022-11-21 12:01:33
    [year] => 2021
)
Array
(
    [id] => 260
    [year] => 2021
    [city_id] => 3
    [city_name] => Reykjavik
    [score_type] => city
    [Total] => 80.32
    [Total_rank] => 5
    [Environment] => 87.3
    [Environment_rank] => 5
    [Social] => 85
    [Social_rank] => 5
    [Supplier] => 67.5
    [Supplier_rank] => 7
    [DMO] => 79.31
    [DMO_rank] => 8
    [longitude] => -21.817439199999967
    [latitude] => 64.12652059999999
    [population] => 360000
    [country] => Iceland
    [region] => Nordic
    [created_at] => 2021-10-26 12:00:41
    [updated_at] => 2021-10-26 12:00:41
)
Reykjavik 2021 GDS-Index Report
2021 Performance Overview
DMO
Supplier
Social
Environmental
Performance Highlights
Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social
Meet in Reykjavík is the official Convention Bureau for Iceland and Reykjavík City. Our mission is to help business event planners create an unforgettable event in a one-of-a-kind destination. Meet in Reykjavík is a part of Business Iceland, a public-private partnership established to lead the promotion and marketing of Iceland in foreign markets and stimulate economic growth through increased export.  A long-term strategy for Icelandic export industries was approved in 2019. The strategic goal for Icelandic tourism is to ensure sustainable and equitable growth in all regions that emphasizes quality and professionalism. Another important factor of the new strategy is commitment to a unified export brand for Icelandic export industries with the vision of Iceland to be recognized as a leading country in sustainability. The mission of the strategy is to develop clear branding for Iceland and Icelandic export industries and share true compelling stories to inspire trust in our capabilities and values. Our vision and mission is built on four interconnected brand pillars that create a circular brand story: Our nature has shaped our people, people innovate, innovation drives sustainability, which helps nature thrive.
The City of Reykjavik won the Nordic Nature and Environment Prize 2014 and was awarded the Greenest city in the world by Green City Times. The President of Iceland and the people of Iceland were presented with the first-ever Atkinson Center Award for Global Leadership in Sustainable Development for promoting the use of renewable energy while reducing it´s own reliance on fossil fuels. Reykjavík uses geothermal and hydropower for ALL electric consumption and heating and its allready limited emission of greenhouse gas will be further reduced by 35% in 2020. The city promotes all year round cycling and is further building out its cycling path system with resting places and maps. Currently there are no taxes on importation of electric cars and there is free parking in Reykjavik, resulting in substantial increase in ownership of electric cars. There has been an increase by 700% in ownership of electric cars since the first electric charger station was opened in 2014, bringing the market share of pure battery electric vehicles to 2,74%.
"Capture the energy in Iceland" is certainly a valid slogan as the country is said to be a global leader in sustainability. Reykjavik has the largest geothermal heating system in the world which makes the meeting spaces naturally eco friendly and the tap water is famous for being pure and untainted with chemicals and minerals. Meetings and events of the future will consider and incorporate social responsability, sustainability and recycling initiatives when making decisions to choose destinations, hotels and venues Green meetings is a growing demand and in Reykjavík there are many conference hotels as well as the Conference Centre Harpa that have adopted strict environmental policies. Harpa is believed to be one of the most eco-friendly conference centre in the world. The building was designed to use most natural light through its glass facade, which covers three of the four sides of the building and results in significant reduction in power consumption.
In Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, you can not only breathe clean air and drink unspoiled water straight from a stream but you can find equality and peace. We aim high in equal rights and to no surprise came first in the Global Gender Gap report in 2015. Scoring first in political empowerment and educational attainment. Our former president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was the first female democratically voted as president in the world and our former female prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was named one of the 75th most powerful women in the world according to Forbes. We have been in first place in the Global Peace Index since 2011 and to no surprise Yoko Ono selected Iceland for the Imagine Peace Tower. Icelanders score high above OECD Better life index average job employment and are according to the World database of happiness a happy nation with happy life years and satisfied with life.
Summary
Meet in Reykjavík is the official Convention Bureau for Iceland and Reykjavík City. Our mission is to help business event planners create an unforgettable event in a one-of-a-kind destination. Meet in Reykjavík is a part of Business Iceland, a public-private partnership established to lead the promotion and marketing of Iceland in foreign markets and stimulate economic growth through increased export.  A long-term strategy for Icelandic export industries was approved in 2019. The strategic goal for Icelandic tourism is to ensure sustainable and equitable growth in all regions that emphasizes quality and professionalism. Another important factor of the new strategy is commitment to a unified export brand for Icelandic export industries with the vision of Iceland to be recognized as a leading country in sustainability. The mission of the strategy is to develop clear branding for Iceland and Icelandic export industries and share true compelling stories to inspire trust in our capabilities and values. Our vision and mission is built on four interconnected brand pillars that create a circular brand story: Our nature has shaped our people, people innovate, innovation drives sustainability, which helps nature thrive.
Does Meet in Reykjavik - Iceland Convention Bureau have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Reykjavik have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Meet in Reykjavik - Iceland Convention Bureau report on its sustainability performance?
Environmental
The City of Reykjavik won the Nordic Nature and Environment Prize 2014 and was awarded the Greenest city in the world by Green City Times. The President of Iceland and the people of Iceland were presented with the first-ever Atkinson Center Award for Global Leadership in Sustainable Development for promoting the use of renewable energy while reducing it´s own reliance on fossil fuels. Reykjavík uses geothermal and hydropower for ALL electric consumption and heating and its allready limited emission of greenhouse gas will be further reduced by 35% in 2020. The city promotes all year round cycling and is further building out its cycling path system with resting places and maps. Currently there are no taxes on importation of electric cars and there is free parking in Reykjavik, resulting in substantial increase in ownership of electric cars. There has been an increase by 700% in ownership of electric cars since the first electric charger station was opened in 2014, bringing the market share of pure battery electric vehicles to 2,74%.
OF ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE RECYCLED
4281 ha
HECTARES OF GREEN AREA PER 100 000 POPULATION
Supplier
"Capture the energy in Iceland" is certainly a valid slogan as the country is said to be a global leader in sustainability. Reykjavik has the largest geothermal heating system in the world which makes the meeting spaces naturally eco friendly and the tap water is famous for being pure and untainted with chemicals and minerals. Meetings and events of the future will consider and incorporate social responsability, sustainability and recycling initiatives when making decisions to choose destinations, hotels and venues Green meetings is a growing demand and in Reykjavík there are many conference hotels as well as the Conference Centre Harpa that have adopted strict environmental policies. Harpa is believed to be one of the most eco-friendly conference centre in the world. The building was designed to use most natural light through its glass facade, which covers three of the four sides of the building and results in significant reduction in power consumption.
OF HOTEL ROOMS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF VENUES SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
Social
In Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, you can not only breathe clean air and drink unspoiled water straight from a stream but you can find equality and peace. We aim high in equal rights and to no surprise came first in the Global Gender Gap report in 2015. Scoring first in political empowerment and educational attainment. Our former president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was the first female democratically voted as president in the world and our former female prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was named one of the 75th most powerful women in the world according to Forbes. We have been in first place in the Global Peace Index since 2011 and to no surprise Yoko Ono selected Iceland for the Imagine Peace Tower. Icelanders score high above OECD Better life index average job employment and are according to the World database of happiness a happy nation with happy life years and satisfied with life.
78
SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE
91
SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX
75
SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX
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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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