The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has released their first Whitepaper – “Sustainable Destination Management Trends and Insights: A Path to a Brighter Future” at IMEX Frankfurt.
The Whitepaper identifies how Destination Management Organisations and Convention Bureaus are using sustainability to drive the development and implementation of robust destination sustainability strategies. These strategies are supporting their city’s overall social, environmental and economic development agenda and enhancing competitive positioning.
The report draws from analysis of 35 cities who participated in the 2016 GDS-Index benchmarking study. Through case studies and comparative data, the research – conducted by MCI Sustainability Services – highlights ten key insights on how destinations can reinforce their strategy through: leadership, financial incentives and capacity training, strong local community and supplier engagement, and effective communication about sustainability.
According to MCI’s CEO Sébastien Tondeur: “Cities are the growth engines of the future, representing beacons of opportunity that carry the promise of education, employment and prosperity. The MICE industry has a critical role to play in supporting cities with the adoption of key sustainability practices. I am delighted to see how the GDS-Index is promoting a “Path to a Brighter Future” for destinations around the world”.
Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA, comments: “The GDS-Index is accelerating sustainable development via knowledge sharing of its best practices and innovations. Building on the inspiration of the programme’s Scandinavian founders, the Whitepaper collects and shares these pieces of wisdom with the ultimate goal of supporting other destinations to focus on sustainable growth”.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, mentions that “2017 is the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism and for this I am particularly delighted and inspired to see how this project has grown and how the participating cities are using the research for further improving their strategies and sustainability performance”.
To view and download the whitepaper click here.
