The 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Awards highlighted the breadth of transformation and impact destinations are having within the global tourism industry.
The ceremony, held at the Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre
during the GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference on the evening of 16
October, recognised destinations which are raising the bar of sustainability,
innovation, and long-lasting positive impact in the global tourism and events
industry.
The GDS-Awards have four categories: Leadership, Innovation,
Most Improved Destination, and Impact in collaboration with #MEET4IMPACT. Each
award highlights efforts to foster a more regenerative approach to tourism and
events that not only reduce environmental harm but contributes to the
well-being of the local community and economy.
2024 GDS-Awards' Winners
Leadership Award Winner: Helsinki, Finland
Photo Credit: Jussi Hellsten Helsinki PartnersThe City of Helsinki demonstrates its leadership in
sustainable destination management, achieving the highest overall score in the
GDS-Index with an impressive 92.43 per cent. The city’s integrated approach to
sustainability spans tourism and governance, with projects such as the Urban
Climate Leaders in Tourism group, and a comprehensive biodiversity strategy.
Helsinki’s clear commitment to achieving carbon neutrality for the destination
and net zero for its events by 2040, along with its focus on engaging residents
in decision-making processes, sets it apart as a climate-action and urban
sustainability trailblazer.
“Helsinki has consistently demonstrated its commitment to
sustainability over the years. The top ranking is a testament to the
effectiveness of our efforts and the dedication of our team,” said Nina
Vesterinen, tourism director, City of Helsinki.
Most Improved Destination Award Winner: Kumamoto, Japan
Photo Credit: Kumamoto International Convention and Tourism BureauKumamoto International Convention and Tourism Bureau’s
outstanding progress, with a 42.39 per cent improvement in its GDS-Index score to last
year, earned it the 2024 Most Improved Destination Award. The city’s holistic
sustainability strategy, which includes a comprehensive water-management
programme, a forward-looking mobility plan, and a robust circular economy
approach, demonstrates its dedication to sustainable tourism. Kumamoto’s
emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its biodiversity strategy
reflect the city’s ambition to create a more inclusive and
environmentally-responsible destination.
“Kumamoto City is a world-class groundwater city known as
the ‘City of Water’ and provides 100 per cent of its tap water through groundwater. We
are undertaking the difficult mission of promoting tourism and MICE while
protecting this vital water resource, and we are very honoured to have been
recognised for these efforts. Kumamoto City will continue to strive to be an
attractive and eco-friendly destination,” stated Kazufumi Onishi, mayor of Kumamoto City.
Innovation Award Winner: Copenhagen, Denmark, for its
“CopenPay” initiative
Photo Credit: Thomas Rousing
Wonderful Copenhagen engages tourists in sustainability
through its inventive CopenPay initiative. Visitors earn rewards, such as free
guided tours, complimentary kayak rentals, and vegetarian meals on the house
for climate-positive actions like choosing more sustainable transport or
participating in site clean-up activities. CopenPay effectively promotes
behavioural change and encourages more meaningful travel experiences. By
transparently tracking environmental impact, the initiative offers a replicable
model that cities, worldwide, can adopt to drive more responsible tourism.
Wonderful Copenhagen, director of marketing, communication
and behaviour, Rikke Holm Petersen said, “Our goal with CopenPay was to
create a campaign that didn’t just focus on raising awareness about
Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainability. We wanted to influence visitors in
Copenhagen to act more sustainably during their stay, just as we were hoping to
spark new conversations around the world about how to take greener actions. We
were blown away by the positive response that we received from both visitors
and people and organisations from near and far. This reaffirms our belief that
there is a genuine motivation among travellers and destinations to take green
actions and that we need to tap into this commitment.”
Innovation Award Winner: Copenhagen, Denmark, for its
"Copenhagen Legacy Lab" initiative
Photo Credit: Visit CopenhagenCopenhagen Convention Bureau continues to lead by example
with its "Copenhagen Legacy Lab" (CLL) initiative, recognised for its
original framework to create long-term, positive impacts from congresses and
events. CLL stands out by encouraging event organisers to collaborate
strategically, ensuring lasting legacies that go beyond economic benefits, to
contribute to local development in fields such as sustainability and
healthcare. With its open-source tools and research, CLL offers a replicable
model for cities, worldwide, to create meaningful, legacy-driven outcomes from
business events.
Wonderful Copenhagen, CEO, Mikkel Aarø-Hansen commented, “We
are incredibly proud of winning this Impact Award for our Copenhagen Legacy
Lab. We strongly believe that international congresses and events are catalysts
for long-term, positive impacts that go far beyond the immediate economic
gains. And that we, as an industry, are obliged to collaborate and invest in
redeeming these potentials, for the benefit of the destinations in which they
are held, the international associations that have purpose as their core
mission, and society at large.”
Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement, added, “This year’s
GDS-Awards' winners and finalists are redefining the role of tourism by
showcasing its potential as a driving force for regeneration and social impact.
We are thrilled to honour these pioneering destinations from Europe, Asia,
North America, and beyond, all leading with innovative sustainability projects
that are reshaping the global industry. These initiatives reflect a fundamental
shift in how the visitor economy is understood and managed. They emphasise the
power of collaboration to foster meaningful change, setting a new standard for
others to follow.”
Additionally to these awards, Visit Bruges was
recognised with the GDS-Movement and CityDNA Partner of the Year Award, in
recognition of their outstanding commitment to regeneration - through
collaboration, continual improvement, and dedication to sustainable practices.
The 2024 Impact Award Judges:
- Jane
Cunningham, director of European engagement, Destinations International
- Ben
Hainsworth, executive director, EASL (European Society of Association
Executives)
- Vicky
Koffa, deputy director, Boardroom Magazine
- Ioannis
Pallas, managing director, ESAE (European Society of Association Executives)
The 2024 Innovation Award Judges:
- Flavie de
Bueil, chief operating officer, City Destination Alliance (CityDNA)
- James
Lancaster, editorial director, Northstar Travel Group – United Kingdom
- Roger
Lehner, senior operations and sustainability executive, IMEX Group
- Shelby
Luzzi, senior manager sustainability, Washington DC (2023 Innovation Award
Winner)
- Dermot
Ryan, head of association engagement, ICCA (International Congress and
Convention Association)
