GDS-Index
The GDS-Index is not a certification or a label. It is a trusted performance improvement programme to assess and accelerate the progress of a destination’s regenerative journey. It measures, benchmarks, and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of more than 100 destination management organisations, municipal authorities, and their tourism supply chains.
The GDS-Movement envisions thriving destinations activated by regenerative tourism and events
The GDS-Index has been built for destinations by destinations, it is designed for organisations who want to drive impact. It supports DMOs step-by-step whether you’re a small city in the United States just starting your regenerative tourism journey or a metropolis in Asia with an advanced sustainable tourism strategy.
By setting a foundation for your destination’s sustainability practice, the GDS-Index supports you to engage your partners, craft data-rich impact stories, get certified, or increase the long-term positive impact and resilience of your events and tourism community. Find out below how it works.
Benchmarking
Assessments
Consulting
Communication
Benchmarking
Key Benefits of the GDS-Index
The key benefits of joining the leading sustainable destination benchmarking and performance improvement programme include:
1 Benchmark to drive better decision making.
2 Gain expert advice to improve strategy.
3 Catalyse collaboration and innovation within a destination.
4 Offer clients a trusted third-party endorsement.
5 Promote the destination sustainability story.
6 Save money and time – we know what is necessary to become a regenerative destination.
7 For more information and packages about the GDS-Index journey please have a look here
Join the GDS-Movement
The GDS-Index offers more than just assessment—it’s a thriving community of sustainable destinations dedicated to shaping a better world through tourism and events. By joining, you gain access to valuable resources, networking with sustainability leaders, and the opportunity for recognition through our annual GDS-Awards.
Participation in the GDS-Index signifies a commitment to environmental, social, and economic well-being, boosting your destination’s reputation and attracting conscientious travellers and event organisers. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing foster continuous improvement, showcasing sustainable leadership and driving positive change in the global tourism and events industry.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a positive impact and create a sustainable future for all through the visitor economy. Contact us today to learn more about joining the GDS-Movement and participating in the next assessment cycle of GDS-Index. Together, we can make a difference!
Kit Lykketoft
Director of Convention, Wonderful Copenhagen
Peter De Wilde
CEO, VisitFlanders
"The GDS-Index helps us in many different ways. It allows us to hold a mirror up to ourselves and look objectively at the strengths and weaknesses of our activities in the area of sustainability. In addition, through the benchmarking option, we can learn a lot from other destinations and destination organisations. The GDS-Index is, therefore, both an evaluation and inspiration tool for us. It stimulates us to continue working on sustainability and the flourishing of our destination and organisation."
Fanny Beaulieu Cormier
Sustainable Development Consultant, Tourism Montreal
"GDS-Forum was really relevant, and I highly recommend it to anyone who works to create a more sustainable tourism industry. I love the formula with the many workshops, the dance, the meditation, the networking...everything was really inspiring and pushed us to think differently and dig deeper on a various range of topics. Keep thinking outside the box. I'm looking forward for the next edition!"
Remi Deve
Chief Editor, Boardroom Magazine
"Valencia, Spain, played host to the GDS-Forum from October 2nd to 4th, 2023, the very first of its kind. As participants ventured into the uncharted waters of regenerative tourism, events, and destination management, the ‘unconference’ provided the perfect platform to brainstorm, network and come up with concrete ideas on how to do things not only differently, but definitely better."
Anna Look
Founder, LOOK AHEAD consulting
"I was fortunate to take the GDS-Movement Regenerative Events course in April 2023; the learnings and teaching style inspired my desire for more regenerative knowledge. I didn’t hesitate to sign up for the Regenerative Destination Management course because it had everything I was looking for: regularly scheduled classes, a fantastic line-up of faculty, many of whom I’ve admired from afar but never thought I’d meet let alone get small group tuition from, brilliant up to date global resources and case studies every week and the amazing atmosphere of learning alongside fellow international tourism industry peers. I highly recommend this course to take your education to the next level."
We are aligned with the SDGs
Our work is aligned with the 2030 Agenda, and we incorporate the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the management and strategies of destinations, globally.
We are an official partner of the UN One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and part of its working group for “Circularity in Tourism”.
Environmental Performance
Social Performance
Supplier Performance
Destination Management Performance
Environmental Performance
Climate, Energy, and Emissions
Circularity and Waste
Water
Air Quality
Transportation
Biodiversity
SDG Alignment
Corruption
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Health, Safety and Wellness
Accessibility
Resident Engagement
Hotels
Airport
Agencies (PCOs & DMCs)
Restaurants
Venues
Academia
Destination Strategy
Governance and Reporting
Policy and Certification
Capacity Building
Measurement, Impact, and Reporting
Marketing and Communications
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
"The GDS-Index is a unique example of how collaboration, including the sharing of best practices and expertise, can improve performance of destinations for the benefit of both our clients and local communities. It has provided us with opportunities and inspiration that has helped position Copenhagen as a leader in sustainable practices."