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.
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.
In the northern interior of Sweden the contrast between city, lake and the mountains are some of the ingredients that make Östersund unique and a magnificent destination all year round. Whether your intention is to experience the city’s pulse, the nature’s calming effect, our events, culture or culinary delights, you will see that there is plenty to discover and we are happy to share it with you. Here we want future generations to have a good life as well. That is why we have decided to be at the forefront of the road to a sustainable society. Östersund is a city of growth, both in population and the number of companies. Businesses are relocating here and optimism about future is palpable. There are plenty of innovative companies, international research projects and passionate enthusiasts who dare to think differently. Mid Sweden University’s vibrant campus is home to education programmes, innovation and research, including ETOUR - Sweden's leading tourism research centre with knowledge about tourism and travel with sustainable destination development in focus. Our region has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2010 and the only place in Sweden with this honour, based on our strong tradition of connecting the food craft with our cultural landscape, our rich cultural history and nature. Destination Östersund works to minimize environmental effects of tourism and to strengthen the positive social, economic and cultural effects for the local community and its businesses through knowledge development and coordination of the local industry for a sustainable destination and place development.
Does Destination Ostersund have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Ostersund have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Destination Ostersund report on its sustainability performance?
Through ongoing efforts and community engagement, Östersund tries to make significant strides towards a greener, more sustainable future with our access to 100% renewable energy. Östersund is one of 48 Swedish cities leading the way in climate change through Viables Cities, with the goal for a climate neutral and energy efficient municipality by the year 2030. Östersund municipality together with Destination Östersund and other actors, work to make Östersund a fossil fuel-free and sustainable destination and place to live. Through projects, initiatives and innovation Östersund is accelerating the transition towards fossil-free transportation, circular business models, reduced waste, locally sourced food, and sustainable events. Our local airport is certified ACA 5 level by ACI and ISO 14001 as part of Swedavia Airports which is the first airport-group in the world to have net zero carbon emissions in its own operations since 2020. Östersund has also been a part of the project Green Flyway with the aim to create an international testing arena for electric flight and autonomous aircraft. In Östersund we also have the first electrified and emission-free construction site in the EU.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
THE CITY’S
2030 CARBON
REDUCTION TARGET
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Östersund is one of Sweden’s leading event municipalities and home to world-class experiences. Throughout the year, the city hosts international championships, national competitions, and a wide variety of local events across its arenas. These events not only attract visitors and create strong economic value – they also foster participation, integration, identity, and public health, making Östersund an even better place to live. To ensure long-term impact, the municipality and Destination Östersund have developed a dedicated event policy. With the municipality’s climate goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a foundation, the policy guides us in creating events that are sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for both residents and visitors.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Östersund is the vibrant heart of our region, offering opportunities for an inspiring student life, a rich working life, and a stimulating leisure time. Beyond the city’s pulse lies an active countryside, where people can enjoy a lifestyle close to nature while benefiting from urban services. Östersund is part of Sápmi with a world-unique indigenous culture with its own language and industries and traditions you won't find anywhere else. Collaboration and initiative define Östersund and we have several coworking places for both residents and long stay visitors who want to be part of the local community. Östersund Included is a social initiative where newcomers and residents alike can join activities, try new things, and make acquaintances. Our openness to test new ideas and find solutions together is a driving force, in business and in everyday life. This collaborative spirit contributed to Östersund receiving the Purple Flag certification in 2023, recognizing our work to create safer, more attractive, and sustainable urban environments. In recent years, Östersund has also become a natural choice for winter sports in para sports, both national and international competitions, which has helped us to develop more inclusive businesses and destination for all.
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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