The World’s Most Sustainable Destinations 2024: GDS-Index Highlights
In 2024, the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index report, titled “Waves of Transformation,” celebrates the world’s leading cities committed to sustainable tourism. Now in its ninth year, the GDS-Index benchmarks destinations for their social, environmental, and economic responsibility, aiming to transform tourism into a positive force for the planet. This year, Helsinki ranks at the top, with Gothenburg, Copenhagen, and other cities across the globe close behind.
What is the GDS-Index?
The GDS-Index evaluates destinations based on criteria such as climate action, biodiversity, waste management, and social equity. This annual assessment highlights cities that have taken concrete steps towards a sustainable visitor economy, one that benefits both travelers and local communities. For tourists interested in sustainable travel, the GDS-Index is an invaluable guide, pointing to cities committed to long-term environmental and social health.
Top 40 Sustainable Destinations 2024
This year’s list features a blend of returning leaders and new entrants, with notable cities from Northern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. Here’s the complete Top 40:
- Helsinki, Finland
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Bergen, Norway
- Aarhus, Denmark
- Bordeaux, France
- Singapore
- Oslo, Norway
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Sydney, Australia
- Aalborg, Denmark
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Bilbao, Spain
- Lyon, France
- Goyang, South Korea
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Middelfart, Denmark
- Kerry, Ireland
- Paris, France
- Cork, Ireland
- Victoria, Canada
- Tampere, Finland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Galway, Ireland
- Berlin, Germany
- Tirol, Austria
- Clare, Ireland
- Dublin, Ireland
- Stockholm, Sweden (Read our bucket list for Sweden).
- Barcelona, Spain
- Svendborg, Denmark
- Brisbane, Australia
- Songkhla, Thailand
- Faroe Islands
- Montreal, Canada
- Quebec City, Canada
- Limerick, Ireland
- Horsens, Denmark
- Odense, Denmark
Highlights and Notable Initiatives
Top destinations stand out for their unique, impactful programs. For instance:
- Helsinki leads with its integrated city strategy aimed at reducing emissions and protecting green spaces. Its goal is to achieve net-zero tourism emissions by 2040.
- Copenhagen has pioneered the “CopenPay” initiative, where tourists earn rewards for sustainable behaviors, such as using eco-friendly transport and participating in community clean-ups.
- Kumamoto, Japan (Most Improved Award) focuses on water conservation, biodiversity, and promoting low-carbon tourism options.
Why Sustainable Destinations Matter for Travelers
Choosing destinations with strong sustainability practices enhances the travel experience by ensuring that tourism positively impacts the local environment and communities. As the GDS-Index shows, top cities are not only improving their environmental footprint but also engaging locals in the tourism experience, creating a sense of shared stewardship for future travelers to enjoy.
Read our guide to sustainable travel.
