Helsinki crowned world's most sustainable travel destination on October 17, 2024
- Helsinki was ranked number one in the Global Destination Sustainability Index published on October 16, 2024.
- The city aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 and emphasizes the involvement of local businesses and residents in sustainable tourism.
- This recognition highlights Helsinki's commitment to long-term sustainable tourism development and positions it as a leader in the sector.
On October 16, 2024, Helsinki was recognized as the world's most sustainable travel destination according to the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. This index evaluates over a hundred cities globally based on sustainability across four categories: Destination Management, Supplier Performance, Environmental Performance, and Social Performance. Helsinki's consistent high performance, particularly in environmental aspects, reflects its commitment to sustainable tourism development. The city has implemented a Climate Action Plan for Tourism and Events, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. This plan emphasizes inclusive tourism and the involvement of local residents in tourism development. The Mayor of Helsinki, Juhana Vartiainen, highlighted that this achievement is a testament to the long-term efforts made in collaboration with local businesses and tourism operators. Nina Vesterinen, the Tourism Director, noted the increasing demand for sustainable travel options, indicating a positive trend for Helsinki's tourism sector. The city’s strategy focuses on enhancing social sustainability and supporting local businesses in their sustainability journey. Helsinki's recognition as the top sustainable destination is not only a milestone but also a motivation to continue improving and collaborating with other destinations. The city aims to maintain its leadership in sustainability, ensuring that tourism growth aligns with environmental and social responsibility.