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.
Welcome to Sandwell Bostin People … Bostin Place We are at the heart of the West Midlands in the Black Country, long-known for its industrial heritage. But we’re also home to 1,200 hectares of award-winning parks and green open spaces. Unexpected, perhaps, but they all add up to a range of green spaces to explore – from our ‘jewel in the crown’ Sandwell Valley in West Bromwich – to nature reserves dotted all over the borough. We look after some of the most important and interesting historic buildings in the West Midlands, where visitors can discover the fascinating stories of those who lived and worked in the Black Country – in celebration of our ‘can-do and making spirit’. On this site you can explore things to see and do in Sandwell, discover unexpected hidden gems, browse what’s on in each of our Towns and join in with our colourful and diverse calendar of festivals and events. Pick your favourite places to eat and book your stay from our hosted accommodation link across Sandwell, Birmingham and the West Midlands. Create an itinerary from all the above – and if you need more inspiration, look no further than our suggestions below…
Does Sandwell Council have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Sandwell have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Sandwell Council report on its sustainability performance?
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
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.
