Making Berlin's sustainability measurable

Sustainability is a central component of Berlin's tourism strategy. Berlin is one of the most sustainable cities in the world. In the current Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index), the German capital improved its ranking among cities with more than 1.5 million inhabitants to fourth place worldwide in 2025. 

The following key figures cover the dimensions of economy, ecology, social issues and management. They show how tourism in Berlin is developing. They are collected on a fact-based basis and updated regularly.

1. Sustainability certifications in the hotel sector
In 2025, 191 hotels with 75 or more rooms were certified as sustainable. This corresponds to 70 per cent of these establishments and represents an improvement of 20 percentage points compared to the previous year (source: own survey, visitBerlin, as of 2025).

Recognised certifications based on validated data within the framework of the GDS Index are recorded. The key figure is updated annually. It shows the structural progress made in sustainable management in Berlin's hotel industry.
 

2. Destination strategy with a focus on sustainability
visitBerlin has its own sustainability strategy, which forms the framework for the sustainable development of Berlin's visitor economy. It aims to harmonise ecological responsibility, social compatibility and economic value creation in Berlin as a tourism and event location in the long term.

The strategy is based on international sustainability standards and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
 

3. Guest satisfaction and intention to return
The vast majority of visitors to Berlin rate their stay positively. A high proportion of guests – 59 per cent – plan to return to Berlin within the next two to three years.

The basis for this is the German Tourism Quality Monitor (2023/24 survey). The survey is conducted every two years. 

4. Tourist seasonality
Berlin is a highly sought-after travel destination all year round. Overnight stays are distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with lower demand in January and February. This is based on data from the Berlin-Brandenburg Statistics Office (accommodation establishments with 10 or more beds).

5. Share of tourism in total value added
224,800 people – 10.3% of all employees – earn their living from tourism. Direct and indirect gross value added amounted to around €8.4 billion in 2023. This corresponds to 4.6% of Berlin's total economic output.

The source is the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) Berlin 2023. The survey is conducted every three to five years.
 

6. Tourism acceptance balance
The majority of Berlin's population views the impact of tourism on the city as positive, but has a more nuanced view of its impact on their personal situation.

The tourism acceptance balance (TAS) is surveyed every two years as part of a representative population survey. The figure reflects society's perspective on tourism and is a key indicator of social sustainability.
 

7. Quality of life index
More than three quarters of Berliners really enjoy living in their city.

This figure reflects the level of agreement with the statement "I really enjoy living in Berlin" as recorded in the population survey. The indicator serves as a context indicator for quality of life and sustainable urban development.

8. Accessibility in tourism
214 businesses in Berlin are certified according to the nationwide standardised labelling and information system "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All) (as of 1 January 2026). 

Verified and detailed information on accessibility is available for these businesses, making the accessibility of tourist offerings transparent. The certification is valid for three years, which means that there may be fluctuations in the number of certified businesses from year to year. The key figure is understood as a quality indicator.

9. Greenhouse gas emissions related to arrival and departure
Arrival and departure to and from Berlin caused around 3.25 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2023.

This corresponds to approximately 85% of total tourism-related emissions (3.91 million tonnes of CO₂).

The calculation is made as part of the Climate Roadmap for Berlin Tourism on the basis of a bottom-up analysis. The results show that mobility is the key lever for climate protection in tourism.

Berlin: Green, spacious and rich in water
Sustainability is not just a strategy in Berlin, but a reality of city life. Around 30 percent of the city's area consists of green spaces and forests. Approximately 432,000 street trees, around 2,500 parks and green spaces, and 58.9 square kilometres of water characterise the cityscape. This makes Berlin not only the largest but also the greenest metropolis in Germany, combining urban dynamism with an exceptional quality of life.
More facts here and here: visitBerlin.de/en/sustainable-berlin.

The key figures presented are based on various surveys (including the GDS Index, Quality Monitor Germany Tourism, population survey, tourism satellite account, climate roadmap). visitBerlin uses the set of key figures from the German Tourism Association (DTV), which reflects the ecological, economic, social and strategic dimensions of sustainable destination development. Depending on the data basis, the figures are updated annually or every two to three years.

Transparency and further development
By publishing these key figures, visitBerlin documents the sustainable development of Berlin tourism in a transparent and comprehensible manner. The key figures are continuously reviewed, further developed and regularly updated. They form the basis for strategic decisions, for dialogue with partners and politicians, and for the national and international comparability of Berlin as a destination.