## Global Leaders in Sustainable Tourism Honored at 2024 GDS-Awards
The 2024 GDS-Awards, held at the prestigious Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre, celebrated the pioneers of sustainable tourism, recognizing their innovative approaches and lasting positive impact on communities and the environment. The event, hosted by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), brought together industry leaders and changemakers to discuss and celebrate the future of tourism.
A Spotlight on Regenerative Tourism
This year’s GDS-Awards focused on four key categories: Leadership, Innovation, Most Improved Destination, and Impact, highlighting initiatives that go beyond conventional sustainability practices, aiming for regeneration and well-being. From climate action to community involvement, these destinations have set new standards for responsible tourism, proving that it is possible to create destinations that are not only eco-friendly but also socially responsible and economically sustainable.
Helsinki: Leading the Way in Urban Sustainability
Helsinki, Finland, emerged as the winner of the prestigious Leadership Award. This award recognizes their commitment to sustainability, with an impressive 92.43% score on the GDS-Index. The city’s comprehensive approach spans across various sectors, including governance and tourism, with a focus on carbon neutrality and biodiversity. Helsinki aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, with its events sector following suit to achieve net-zero emissions. The city’s commitment to involving residents in decision-making processes and its forward-thinking approach to climate action have made Helsinki a global leader in urban sustainability.
Kumamoto: A Model for Regenerative Tourism
Kumamoto, Japan, won the Most Improved Destination Award, showcasing a remarkable 42.39% improvement in its GDS-Index score. Known as the “City of Water,” Kumamoto has prioritized sustainability in its water management practices, implementing a robust circular economy framework and a biodiversity strategy. The city’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ensures that its tourism efforts not only protect natural resources but also create an inclusive environment for both locals and visitors. Kumamoto’s emphasis on these values has set it apart as a model for regenerative tourism.
Copenhagen: Innovating for a Greener Future
Copenhagen, Denmark, received two awards: the Innovation Award for its groundbreaking “CopenPay” initiative and the Impact Award for its “Copenhagen Legacy Lab” (CLL). CopenPay encourages tourists to engage in sustainable actions by offering rewards for climate-positive choices, like opting for sustainable transportation or participating in clean-up activities. This innovative approach not only raises awareness but also encourages meaningful behavior change among travelers. The transparency of CopenPay, which tracks environmental impact, has set a precedent for other cities around the world.
The “Copenhagen Legacy Lab” (CLL), meanwhile, has pioneered a framework for creating long-term positive impacts from congresses and events. CLL encourages event organizers to work with local stakeholders to ensure that events contribute not only economically but also to local development, particularly in areas like healthcare and sustainability. The CLL’s open-source tools and research have created a replicable model that can benefit cities worldwide.
A Beacon of Hope for the Future of Tourism
The 2024 GDS-Awards have highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and regeneration in the tourism industry. Winners like Helsinki, Kumamoto, and Copenhagen have demonstrated that it is possible to move beyond traditional tourism models and create systems that benefit not just visitors but also local communities, ecosystems, and economies. These destinations have redefined the role of tourism in the global context, focusing on reducing environmental harm while fostering social and economic well-being. The GDS-Awards serve as a beacon of hope for the tourism industry, showing that with dedication and creative thinking, we can create destinations that are not only eco-friendly but also socially responsible and economically sustainable. These trailblazing cities have proven that the future of tourism can be bright, green, and filled with opportunities for regeneration.