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.
As Germany’s capital, Berlin is a dynamic leader in advancing sustainable urban tourism and events. Renowned for its diversity, creativity, and progressive mindset, the city integrates sustainability at the core of its tourism development—balancing economic vitality with climate action, social equity, and local value creation. The destination’s sustainability approach is anchored in city-wide frameworks like the Sustainable and City-Compatible Tourism Plan and is reinforced by dedicated strategies for the tourism and MICE sectors. These are co-developed with stakeholders and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. visitBerlin, the city’s DMO, plays a key role in implementing this vision through a comprehensive programme that supports sustainable business practices, empowers stakeholders through training and knowledge sharing, and promotes responsible event planning. Initiatives span certification, learning platforms, impact monitoring, and inclusive communications—making sustainability both accessible and actionable. Berlin’s forward-thinking approach also extends to legacy-driven events and collaborative policymaking, ensuring that major activities contribute positively to the city and its people. With abundant green spaces, efficient public transport, and a commitment to accessibility and innovation, Berlin is shaping a visitor economy where sustainability is not a niche but the guiding principle.
Does visitBerlin have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Berlin have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does visitBerlin report on its sustainability performance?
Berlin is internationally recognised as a green, climate-conscious metropolis. With over 2,500 public parks and green spaces, and blue corridors of rivers and lakes weaving through the city, Berlin offers a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike—while also prioritising environmental resilience. Berlin aims to become climate-neutral by 2045 and is advancing its transition through city-wide frameworks like the Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Programme (BEK 2030). The city enhances green infrastructure, supports renewable energy, and promotes circular economy practices. Public transport is widely used, and cycling infrastructure is expanding. The Tourism Climate Roadmap currently being developed by visitBerlin complements this by introducing carbon measurement, bottom-up mitigation, and adaptation strategies for the tourism sector.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
THE CITY’S
2030 CARBON
REDUCTION TARGET
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Berlin’s Sustainable Meetings Berlin program empowers event planners with practical tools, certified partners, and a robust sustainability scorecard, fully aligned with GSTC standards. Offered free of charge, the Sustainable Berlin Certification includes coaching, audits, e-learning, and access to a supportive partner network. The Congress Fund Berlin further incentivizes sustainable planning by linking subsidies to sustainability performance. New trainings, best-practice events, and peer workshops ensure continuous learning. Flagship initiatives like the Berlin MICE Summit and Berlin Paper 2025 shape a shared vision for responsible large-scale events. Together with public and private stakeholders, Berlin is advancing sustainable legacy and impact in its global event profile.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Berlin is a diverse, inclusive, and socially progressive city that aligns its development with the SDGs. Its infrastructure and tourism services increasingly meet accessibility standards. Programmes like MEET+CHANGE and the Berlin Impact Programme promote social value creation through tourism. In 2025, Berlin championed accessibility with initiatives around the Global Disability Summit, new inclusive media campaigns, and stakeholder networking. As a city of freedom and diversity, Berlin promotes democratic values, tolerance, and inclusion across its tourism ecosystem. Accessibility training, inclusive certification, and support for equitable participation are central to the destination’s social sustainability efforts.
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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