Berlin in the GDS-Index

What is the GDS-Index?

GDS-Index stands for "Global Destination Sustainability Index". It mesures the overall performance of participating tourist destinations, which is calculated on the basis of various sustainability criteria and then compared. This results in a sustainability ranking of tourist destinations. 

Who calculates the GDS-Index?

The organisation that collects and evaluates the data from all participating destinations each year is called GDS-Movement (Global Destination Sustainability Movement). It is a non-profit organisation which, in addition to compiling the index, also offers consultancy service, training programmes and a platform for knowledge exchange. The movement is centred around the concept of peer learning, rather than merely comparing the sustainability performance of destinations.

Each destination is responsible for compiling the individual data and supporting evidence on the GDSM’s digital platform. In Berlin, this task is carried out by the Sustainability and CSR department of visitBerlin. It collects some of the data itself in partner surveys, but also utilises existing data from various institutions and public authorities.  ⇒  Find out more about the methodology behind the calculation of the GDS-Index. The criteria of the GDS-Index help us to realise our vision of a sustainable tourist destination and show us which areas we still need to work on.

Participation in the GDS-Index is voluntary. Why do we go to all this trouble? 

Berlin isconstantly working to become more sustainable, not only as a tourist destination, but also as a city as a whole. The GDS-Index offers the opportunity to give these efforts international visibility. Destinations from all over the world take part in the GDS Index every year, including smaller cities such as Tallinn, as well as major cities, metropolises and megacities such as Barcelona, Singapore, Copenhagen and Bangkok. 

The GDS-Index enables event planners, tour operators, destinations and convention bureaus the opportunity to compare the environmental, social and economic sustainability of different destinations. This allows for well-informed, more sustainable decisions to be made, giving Berlin, as a destination, the opportunity to position itself sustainably, measure its performance and establish a process of continuous improvement.

However, participation in the GDS-Index is not just a question of prestige or image. As the German capital, we wish to be part of this major sustainability movement to send a signal for the future. At the same time, we hope that more destinations will join this endeavour so that, together as part of a strong network we can make a greater difference on a global scale.

The GDS-Index 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 covered leisure tourism since 2020.

The assessment is based on 74 criteria, each comprising several indicators from the four main categories: environment, social issues, suppliers and destination management. For each indicator, there is a set maximum score to be achieved. The criteria are adapted annually to reflect new sustainability requirements and are subject to ongoing development. Points are awarded on a sliding scale by GDS assessors if the requirements have only been partially met. The audit process comprises a submission phase and an assessment phase, during which submissions are checked for errors and any missing evidence is requested from the submitting destination. Based on the score achieved in each category, the GDS auditors calculate an overall percentage score, relative to the maximum possible score. The destinations are then compared with each other in the subsequent ranking. The ranking is therefore dependent on the score of the others.

The GDS-Index is based on global sustainability standards, including: the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Criteria, UNWTO One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and ISEAL Codes of Good Practice.