Strasbourg, France

Contact: Chloe Martin

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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 2024 GDS-Index comprises 77 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

Being at the heart of Europe, Strasbourg is one of the best connected cities in France and a very popular destination for national and international tourists. Its gastronomy, architecture and history make Strasbourg a very special and attractive place. Mixing traditions and modernity, the metropolis of Strasbourg offers a high quality of life for inhabitants as well as an unforgettable and authentic experience for visitors. Strasbourg has been implementing sustainability for years in its core values and has launched a variety of initiatives to support local stakeholders, limit environmental impact as well as to make sure that all are involved in the decisions. Through its tourism strategy, the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg aims to build a more sustainable, more inclusive and more diversified destination in collaboration with its stakeholders. Strasbourg Convention Bureau is working hand in hand with local suppliers to offer event organizers memorable stays and immerse them truly in Strasbourg way of life. We offer free support and impartial recommendations according to clients' needs and desires, among our network of almost 200 members including hotels, restaurants, reception venues, event agencies and many more. Strasbourg Convention Bureau carries out actions in order to make business tourism in Strasbourg more responsible, by supporting its members and providing quality information to event organizers.

Does Eurometropolitan Office of Tourism, Leisure and Congress of Strasbourg have a Sustainability Strategy?

Does Strasbourg have a sustainable destination certificate?

Does Eurometropolitan Office of Tourism, Leisure and Congress of Strasbourg report on its sustainability performance?

Beyond being surrounded by a preserved “Green Belt” dating back from more than a hundred years ago, Strasbourg puts extra care in the preservation of its biodiversity. To that end, a strategy to rewild the city, named the Plan Canopée, has been launched in 2020. The metropolis watches out for air quality as well with special measures in case of pollution peaks and a low-emission zone, in which the more polluting vehicles are banned. It is also pioneer in developing soft mobility with one of the biggest French bike path network (600 kms), the biggest French tramway network, a pedestrian action plan as well as a strong position for innovative mobility. All infrastructures and facilities aim at offering more efficient, affordable and sustainable transportation means for residents as well as for visitors. The Eurometropolis of Strasbourg also acts for waste reduction and management, through education, information and the development of circular economy. All in all, the metropolis thrives to reduce its carbon footprint to improve the quality of life and reduce its environmental impact. A “Climate Agency” has therefore been created in 2021 to support and advise territories and stakeholders in their sustainable actions thanks to climate experts’ consulting.

26%

OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES

27%

OF WASTE
RECYCLED

4347 ha

HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION

Main congress and exhibition venues in Strasbourg such as the Zenith, the Convention Center and the Exhibition Center are certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 20121. The Exhibition Center, inaugurated in 2022, has been completely designed by its architect to minimize its environmental impact and to blend in the nature. Its structure is made of wood and large windows to let natural light enter and fits perfectly into the surrounding nature. A geocooling system connected to the water table cools the building and creates natural ventilation. 5000 m² of solar panels are installed on its roof to generate power for both the convention and the exhibition centers. A certain number of caterers, restaurants, hotels, or activity providers of the destination are also certified and/or take part in sustainable local initiatives, whether donations to associations or better supply – and waste management for example. Strasbourg Convention Bureau intends to share information to suppliers about local initiatives and best sustainable practices they can implement. Strasbourg Airport is engaged in Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme since 2021 and has obtained in 2022 level 2 “Reduction”. It aims at being carbon neutral in 2050. Local associations accompany and support organizations in their sustainable approach such as "Initiatives Durables" for local businesses and "Eco-manifestations Alsace" for event organizers that want their events to be more sustainable. An ecosystem of valorization of resources and circular economy is developing.

9%

OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

100%

OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

0%

OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

The metropolis of Strasbourg is considered the capital of Europe thanks to strong institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. The destination is also proud to preserve its heritage with 2 districts classified in the UNESCO world heritage list. Local traditions are also kept while the city enjoys a very culturally diverse influence from its history. It is an important crossroad for education thanks to a bright university ranked amongst the top 10 in France, and five Nobel Prizes won in the fields of medicine and chemistry. In 2023, Booking rated Alsace the most welcoming French region. This reward can be felt in Strasbourg which is a very hospitable and tolerant city that embraces inclusion and accessibility amongst its main values. Most of the city's walkways, public buildings and transport facilities are adapted for people with disabilities. Beyond these values, the Eurometropolitan Office of Tourism, Leisure and Congress of Strasbourg has been awarded with the "Quality Tourism" label for its high standards and visitors satisfaction. There is also a real desire to involve all stakeholders, and in particular residents, in the decisions taken in the metropolitan area in order to anticipate their concerns and to improve their satisfaction. Therefore, residents are invited to vote, give their opinion or make suggestions through a dedicated platform and meetings.

INCLUSION SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGESS INDEX

PERSONAL SAFETY SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGESS INDEX

SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX

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