Helsinki has been officially recognized as the world’s most sustainable travel destination, according to the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index released on October 16, 2024. This ranking marks a significant achievement for the Finnish capital, which previously ranked fourth in the index in 2023.
The GDS Index assesses the sustainability of travel destinations based on over 70 indicators across four categories. It includes more than a hundred cities globally that have made substantial investments in sustainability efforts.
Mayor Juhana Vartiainen expressed pride in the city’s achievement, stating, “Being named the world’s most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. The first place we have now achieved indicates that we are on the right path.”
Growing Demand for Sustainable Travel
The GDS Index evaluates sustainability across four critical areas: Destination Management, Supplier Performance, Environmental Performance, and Social Performance. Helsinki excelled in this year’s index, securing first place in Destination Management, Supplier Performance, and Environmental Performance, while ranking second in Social Progress. The city is actively enhancing social sustainability in tourism by supporting local businesses in their sustainability efforts and allocating more resources for the development of tourist destinations.
Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director at the City of Helsinki, noted the shifting preferences of travelers, stating, “International studies show that travelers are increasingly looking for more sustainable services and destinations. There will no doubt be increasing demand for the world’s most sustainable tourist destination in the future.”
Commitment to Sustainable and Smart Tourism
Helsinki’s city strategy aims to position the city as the most sustainable and smartest tourist destination globally. The Helsinki Climate Action Plan for Tourism and Events outlines ambitious goals for sustainability, with aspirations to top the GDS Index by 2025 at the latest.
Beyond tourism, Helsinki is committed to reducing emissions across all its activities, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The city plans to reach this target by increasing the share of renewable energy in heating and electricity production and implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings. Significant investments are also being made in low-emission transportation solutions, with over 30 percent of the regional bus fleet now electrified and plans to introduce more than 30 kilometers of new tramways in the next decade.
Helsinki is engaged in several sustainability initiatives, focusing on inclusive tourism development and enhancing local resident participation in tourism planning. The city is also measuring the carbon footprint of tourism, promoting its Climate Action Plan, and supporting tourism companies in their sustainability journeys. Additionally, Helsinki seeks to collaborate closely with other tourist destinations on both national and international levels, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable travel.