The GDS index was created as a performance improvement tool. Photo Credit: Adobe stock/TarikVision
New criteria for the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index have been unveiled, taking into account key issues affecting destination management organisations (DMOs) and the increasing importance of climate action.
The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations. It has been developed by the GDS-Movement, which aims to empower people with the mindsets, skillsets and toolsets to create regenerative destinations to meet in and visit.
Alongside climate action, the impact of a number of other sub-categories will also be considered, including visitor management, funding mechanisms, resident sentiment and short-term tourism rentals.
“All these different sub-categories correspond to significant impacts that the tourism sector is facing,” said Margaux Delacroix, changemaker, at the GDS-Movement. “There is clearly an urgent need for the tourism industry to respond to climate change - we need to achieve net zero as soon as possible. Climate action requires a collective effort across industry, from local communities to government, to international organisations. We need to work all together towards a common goal, which is why it is important to include criteria related to climate action.”
Visitor management criteria have been added to reflect how all tourism and recreation activities lead to environmental and social impacts. According to GDS-Movement, visits and visitor flow management systems need to be developed to minimise negative effects on the economy, residential quality of life, infrastructure, natural or cultural tourism resources and tourist satisfaction.
The new criteria are also aimed at being more aligned with industry standards and incorporate advanced approaches for capacity management and performance impact analysis.
“One of the key things (with regards to the changes) is how we use tourism and events as a motor for change,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO and chief changemaker at GDS-Movement. “The goal is to have an index that is fit for today and in the future and that helps you drive performance in your destination. The index was created as a performance improvement tool and our goal is to help you drive performance. To do that, we need to look at more areas because regenerative sustainable tourism is changing.”
Bigwood also revealed new initiatives using GDS data, including a pilot project launched with TripAdvisor, called the ‘Best of the Best Sustainable Destinations 2024’.
“'We've taken review data from TripAdvisor of people talking about sustainability and matched that to the performance of the GDS index,” he said. “We've overlaid those and the first part is looking at the top 10 cities that are talking about sustainability and performance. There is also the potential to use the data to have a look at places where there is a high perception of doing good around sustainable tourism but maybe a low GDS score and vice versa.”
In the TripAdvisor project, Singapore was rated fifth in the rankings, followed by Melbourne in sixth place. All the other destinations in the top ten were in Europe, with Copenhagen in Denmark, Stockholm in Sweden and Bordeaux in France named as the top three destinations.