Berlin in the GDSI
What is the GDSI?
GDSI stands for "Global Destination Sustainability Index". It is the overall performance of participating tourist destinations, which is calculated on the basis of various sustainability criteria and then compared with each other. This results in a sustainability ranking of tourist destinations.
Who calculates the GDSI?
The organisation that receives and evaluates the data of all participating destinations each year is called GDSM (Global Destination Sustainability Movement). It is a non-profit organisation which, in addition to compiling the index, also offers advice, training programmes and a platform for knowledge sharing. The movement is centred around the idea of peer learning and not just a mere comparison of the sustainability performance of destinations.
Each destination is responsible for compiling the individual data and evidence on a digital platform of the GDSM. In Berlin, the Sustainability and CSR department of visitBerlin is responsible for this. It collects some data itself in partner surveys, but also uses existing data from various institutions and authorities. ⇒ Find out more about the methodology behind the calculation of the GDSI. The GDSI criteria help us to realise our vision of a sustainable tourism destination and show us which topics we still need to work on.
Participation in the GDSI is voluntary.
Berlin is continuously working on becoming more sustainable not only as a tourist destination, but also as a city as a whole. The GDSI offers the opportunity to give these efforts international visibility. Currently 100 destinations from all over the world participate in the GDSI, including Paris, Oslo, Singapore and Copenhagen.
The GDSI offers event planners, tour operators, destinations and convention bureaus the opportunity to compare the environmental, social and economic sustainability of destinations with each other and thus make more informed sustainable decisions. As a destination Berlin, we have the opportunity to position ourselves sustainably, measure our performance and establish a continuous improvement process.
However, participation in the GDSI is not just a question of prestige or image. As the German capital, we want to be part of this major sustainability movement to send a signal for the future. We hope that more destinations will join this endeavour to make a bigger difference on a global level together in a strong network.
GDSI: Compactly summarised in a video
- Please activate subtitles and automatic translation manually -
In this summary of our evaluation of the GDSI ranking in 2024, you will learn the basic information about the GDSI quickly and compactly. The complete recording of the online information event is available free of charge in the TourismHub.
Berlin's performance in the GDSI
Berlin has been included in the GDSI ranking since 2020 and has continuously improved since then. The comparison of destinations with each other creates the benchmark for our ranking. We see the competition, which has grown over the years, in a positive light, as it means that we are all working hard towards our sustainability goals. The GDSI evaluation provides participating destinations with suggestions for improvement every year and thus also acts as a guide for continuous improvement in performance.
In 2024, Berlin was ranked 26th out of 100 participating cities. The destinations are also categorised according to their size based on their total population. This categorisation makes sense, as cities of different sizes also face different sustainability challenges. Berlin belongs to the largest category "Metropolises and Mega-Cities" and even achieved 5th place in the comparison - behind Singapore, Sydney, Paris and Melbourne.
An overview of Berlin's sustainability performance in 2024 can also be found here.
The results for the GDSI 2025 will be published in autumn 2025.
Methodology of the GDSI ranking
The GDSI measures, compares and improves sustainability strategies and their implementation in tourism and event-related destinations worldwide. It was originally developed for the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events), but has also included leisure tourism since 2020.
A total of 76 criteria are assessed, each with several indicators from four main categories. There is a fixed maximum number of points to be achieved for each indicator. Points can be awarded by the GDS assessors in increments if the requirements are only partially met. The timeline for the review includes a submission phase and a review phase in which the submissions are checked for errors and missing evidence is requested from the submitters. Based on the category scores, the GDS reviewers calculate a percentage overall score, which is based on the highest score to be achieved. The destinations are then compared with each other in the subsequent ranking. The ranking is therefore dependent on the score of the others. In addition, the GDSI criteria are dynamic and adapt annually to new sustainability requirements.
The GDSI is based on global sustainability standards, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Criteria, UNWTO One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and ISEAL Codes of Good Practice.
Categories and indicators of the GDSI
The city's environmental strategy and infrastructure
- Climate protection measures (e.g. CO₂ reduction targets)
- Use of renewable energies
- Water and resource management
- Air quality and biodiversity
- Sustainability in public transport
Social sustainability performance of the city
- Integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Anti-corruption (via indices such as the Corruption Perceptions Index)
- Security and healthcare
- Inclusivity and accessibility for all population groups
The industry's commitment to sustainability
- Sustainability standards in hotels, restaurants, airports, attractions and event locations
- Existence of certifications and climate-friendly measures
Destination management strategies and initiatives
- Strategies for sustainable tourism
- Climate protection measures specifically for tourism and events
- Promoting diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI)
- Transparent reporting on sustainability measures
Participate as a company
In order to properly reflect the commitment of attractions and companies in the tourism and events industry in Berlin, we rely on your help every year. All you need to do is take part in a short survey.
Our deadline for submitting all evidence in 2025 is 17 May.
All participants who complete our questionnaire will be entered into a prize draw to win a pack of regionally and sustainably produced Knalle Popcorn, a stylish Television Tower Soap from Berlin soap manufacturer dearsoap and an environmentally friendly coffee mug for travelling, the Weducer Cup from Kaffeeform made from recycled material.
