Helsinki's goal is to be an international pioneer and provider of solutions in sustainable tourism and events

The vibrant heart of Scandinavia. The cool and friendly little sister. Home to world-class restaurants, to diverse cultural scenes, sustainable living, and surrounded by beautiful nature. This is Gothenburg. We are a destination that wants to make an impact. Investing in sustainability is wise and aims to be a strong force for positive change. We also know that together, you go further. That’s why collaboration is a key element in our strategies and why we share our best practices freely to inspire other destinations. Gothenburg's approach to sustainability has through the years gained international recognition. The city has been the leader in the Global Destination Sustainability Index seven times 2016-2023 (no ranking was made in 2020) and was the European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2020. Lonely Planet also named it the world's Best Sustainable City Stay 2021. In April 2022, Gothenburg became one of the European Union’s 100 climate-neutral and smart cities – forerunner cities on a mission towards climate neutrality 2030. Gothenburg is also a European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards winner. With a vision of being fossil-independent by 2030, smart accessibility and mobility with 95 percent of public transport running on renewable energy, a sustainable tourism ecosystem with approximately 88 percent of environmentally certified hotel rooms, a strong legacy program for events and meetings, and a strive for a more circular economy, we have made sustainability our business.

In 2018, Copenhagen’s DMO, Wonderful Copenhagen launched its sustainability strategy ‘Tourism for Good’ with an ambition to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on local and global sustainable development. Contributing to the realisation of UN SDGs, the strategy consists of four focus areas: Broadening tourism, Tourism choices matter, Partnerships for good and Leading by example. The same year, the strategy won the ICCA Innovation Award. In the beginning of 2019, Wonderful Copenhagen became the first DMO to receive the Green Tourism Organization certification – a certification that focuses on supporting destinations and organisations that make an extra effort for sustainability.

Bergen is situated between the fjords in the western part of Norway and is the second-largest city in Norway. The World Heritage site Bryggen and the Fløibanen funicular, some of the most visited attractions in Norway, are just a few of Bergen's many attractions. Bergen is the only major city in Norway that have been awarded Innovation Norway's label for Sustainable Destinations, a national labeling scheme for destinations dedicated to sustainable development. The labeling scheme builds upon a standard recognized by The Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Visit Bergen's ambition is to create a sustainable and profitable destination, for both our visitors and inhabitants. And our aim is to make Bergen a better place to live and a better place to visit.

Actions speaks louder than words - and the climate changes require action! But to make the actions have an impact, a DMO cannot walk alone. In Aarhus we have formed a close, strategic collaboration between the key stakeholders (Aarhus University, the DMO, the Municipality and Aarhus Events). As a result a Green Handbook for Events and Conferences was published and is free and accessible to all. We believe that a hands-on approach combined with a strategic collaboration is the best way to act and to make an impact. It should not be difficult to choose a more sustainable option - it should be the natural choice. We hope our approach can inspire others!

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Between vineyard and ocean, Bordeaux is the gateway to the South West and the epitome of the sweetness of life. Known for being a jewel of 18th century architecture, the city has reinvented itself in recent years to become a destination of choice for leisure tourism and professional events. Wine, cannelés, oysters... Our specialties make Bordeaux a true symbol of the French way of life. Bordeaux is also the breeding ground for a trendy alternative culture that jostles the "Port of the Moon". For many years, we have been committed to sustainable tourism, as part of our constant concern for our quality of welcome and for the sustainable development of our territory. The Bordeaux Tourist Office is ISO 20121 certified for its sustainable management, including in the organisation of the Bordeaux Wine Festival. In 2021, we launched the "Agora for tourism in Bordeaux" programme: an open governance to co-build our long-term strategy with our residents and stakeholders.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is committed to sustainable tourism and has implemented a comprehensive sustainability program through VisitOSLO/Oslo Convention Bureau. We aim to ensure that tourism in Oslo benefits the environment, the local community, and the economy in a balanced and responsible manner. Key elements of our sustainability program include green tourism certification, sustainable transportation, waste management and recycling, green spaces and biodiversity, community engagement and education, sustainable events and carbon reduction goals. By integrating these initiatives, Oslo strives to be a leading example of sustainable urban tourism, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the city's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Belfast launched its Resilience Strategy, the city’s first climate plan in December 2020. It sets out 30 transformational programmes to transition Belfast to an inclusive, zero-emissions, climate-resilient economy within a generation. As the city’s Destination Marketing and Management Company, Visit Belfast continues to play a critical role in supporting Belfast’s ambition through leading delivery of sustainable tourism in partnership with Belfast City Council and our industry. Visit Belfast’s ‘New Horizon’s strategy 2024-2027’ and 2024-5 business plan is focussed on enhancing our efforts to: - Grow the visitor economy in the Belfast city region in an inclusive and sustainable way - Position the Belfast city region as a front of mind destination for leisure visits, business events and days out; - Enhance the experience for visitors by showcasing Belfast city region as a diverse and welcoming destination with a unique neighbourhood offer and; - Sustain its approach to championing sustainability, pioneering powerful impactful initiatives, inspiring sustainable choices amongst visitors and clients – and telling Belfast’s sustainability story.

Sydney, via a partnership between the city government and the convention bureau BESydney, was one of the first cities globally and the first in Australia to join the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Previously focusing on the business events sector and residents respectively, BESydney and the City of Sydney were this year joined by the State Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Destination NSW is the lead agency, champion and voice for the visitor economy within NSW. Together these organisations are working to drive sustainable, and increasingly regenerative, custodianship of our beautiful harbour city.

The sustainability program for Destination Nord 2023-25 aligns with the national agenda for sustainable growth in Danish tourism. It aims to maintain Denmark's attractiveness as a tourist destination while fostering environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable growth. This entails transitioning Danish tourism towards a model that benefits businesses, tourists, local communities, culture, nature, and society at large. Destination Nord supports the national strategy by spearheading local tourism promotion efforts and creating optimal conditions for sustainable tourism development in Aalborg, Frederikshavn, Brønderslev, and Læsø municipalities. Additionally, it seeks to influence sustainable development across national tourism organizations, inter-municipal destination companies, and the business sector. Destination Nord’s purpose is to foster responsible development and have a significant positive impact on the economy, environment, and society. Sustainability is integrated into Destination Nord’s core business strategy, focusing on developing a new tourism geography based on unique landmarks, narratives, and initiatives that generate long-term business and sustainable growth through partnerships, branding, marketing, and knowledge sharing. Destination Nord’s sustainability ambitions encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects, guided by the principles of resilience and regenerative development. Destination Nord aims to contribute more to society than Destination Nord consumes, protecting and benefiting the local environment and culture. The strategy incorporates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ten principles of the UN Global Compact into Destination Nord’s three focus areas: environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Environmental Sustainability: Destination Nord monitors and reduces its environmental footprint internally and supports tourism stakeholders in transitioning to sustainable practices, with a focus on climate action and waste reduction. Social Sustainability: Destination Nord prioritizes human rights, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create decent employment opportunities, promote safety, health, and well-being, and educate stakeholders on sustainability and diversity agendas. Economic Sustainability: Destination Nord works to achieve long-term economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and social inequality. Destination Nord support businesses in adopting circular practices, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure. The sustainability efforts are overseen by the top management team and a cross-functional sustainability committee led by a Sustainability Manager, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall strategic direction and goals. Detailed action plans with short and long-term targets have been developed for environmental and social sustainability, aiming to make a positive difference in the local community and beyond.

Glasgow aims to be at the forefront on climate change with ambitions to become the UK's first carbon neutral city by 2030 and a world leading centre for sustainable policy and innovation. Glasgow has featured within the top 10 of the GDS-Index since it joined back in 2016. The ranking recognises the huge strides the city is making around driving forward systemic and cultural change which supports positive environmental and inclusive impact.

Zurich is one of the most sustainable convention destinations in the world. Climate-neutral excursion activities, hotels with sustainability certification, short distances, and a highly efficient public transportation network: Zurich provides the perfect framework conditions for holding sustainable events. As your local partner, the Zurich Tourism Convention Bureau will accompany you from the initial bidding stage right through to the implementation of your congress, meeting, or event. On doing so, our experienced team takes into account values such as environmental friendliness, economic efficiency, and fair working conditions.

The city of Bilbao has been immersed in a process of complete remodelling for several decades. The result is remarkable: from being a completely industrialised city to the present day, where the city's facelift is remarkable. A strong commitment to sustainability has been key in this transformation process. Focused on the values of collaboration, inclusion, progress and quality of life, Bilbao is advancing as a sustainable destination, integrating improvement actions in companies, different groups of society and citizens. We are satisfied with the work done so far, but at the same time, we are aware of the need to continue improving day by day and not to be conformist at all. This is what we are doing, proposing and promoting sustainable initiatives that help to achieve a more sustainable destination. So far, we have perceived how the message has fully permeated in the citizenship and if we all row in the same direction it will be easier to achieve the objectives.

Lyon got the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 award granted by the European Union. Bestowed for the very first time by the European Union, this competition honours this attractive, dynamic and accessible city's efforts to boost smart tourism thanks to trailblazing accomplishments in matter of digital innovations, environmental friendliness and the quality of life of its residents. The Lyon Metropole, all those involved in the tourist sector, including the inhabitants are committed to develop sustainable tourism to Lyon!

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Meet in Reykjavík is the official Convention Bureau for Iceland and Reykjavík City. Our mission is to help business event planners create an unforgettable event in a one-of-a-kind destination. Meet in Reykjavík is a part of Business Iceland, a public-private partnership established to lead the promotion and marketing of Iceland in foreign markets and stimulate economic growth through increased export.  A long-term strategy for Icelandic export industries was approved in 2019. The strategic goal for Icelandic tourism is to ensure sustainable and equitable growth in all regions that emphasizes quality and professionalism. Another important factor of the new strategy is commitment to a unified export brand for Icelandic export industries with the vision of Iceland to be recognized as a leading country in sustainability. The mission of the strategy is to develop clear branding for Iceland and Icelandic export industries and share true compelling stories to inspire trust in our capabilities and values. Our vision and mission is built on four interconnected brand pillars that create a circular brand story: Our nature has shaped our people, people innovate, innovation drives sustainability, which helps nature thrive. Meet in Reykjavík collaborate with Visit Reykjavík on the GDS Index. Visit Reykjavík is the official tourism organization for the Reykjavik greater city area. It was established in 2023 by six municipalities and the tourism industry. Visit Reykjavík promotes and develops the whole destination in a sustainable way, with a focus on increasing economic activity. Through collaboration with partners in the tourism, transportation, and cultural sectors, Visit Reykjavík enhances the visitor experience and showcases all that Reykjavík has to offer.

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Kerry is future focused and extremely proud to be Ireland’s leading Sustainable Tourism destination, ranking alongside key global MICE destinations in the Top 20 since 2019. Working in collaboration with our partners at Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, our participation in this global benchmarking tool enables us to drive progress in the sustainable development of Kerry by engaging industry stakeholders, local community, and government. .Kerry Convention Bureau is constantly striving to work with our members to innovate and improve on new ways to be greener than before, pushing to bring sustainability to the forefront of the industry and at the heart of what we do. We work closely with industry leading organisations both within Ireland and internationally to stay informed and ensure that we are adopting best practice, accessing current training opportunities and in turn, sharing these with our members. We are committed to working with all our industry partners across the region to promote sustainability within the MICE industry. Our objective is to make holding a green event in Kerry easy!

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