Helsinki, Finland is now ranked the fourth most sustainable tourist destination in the world, after it has climbed eight spots from last year.
The ranking was based on the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, which ranks the sustainability of tourist destinations, published on Oct 4.
Other Nordic cities also performed well in this year’s index, as no less than seven top places went to the Nordic countries including this year’s winner, Gothenburg in Sweden, who retained its top spot from last year.
Other cities in the top seven include Oslo, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aarhus and Aalborg.
City of Helsinki tourism director Nina Vesterinen said one of Helsinki’s main goals in the development of tourism is to become the world’s most sustainable and smart travel destination.
“The fact that our ranking rose by eight places from last year is a sign that we are doing the right things. Our goal to be the world’s most sustainable travel destination is already within reach. For this, we owe big thanks to all our stakeholders – above all to those companies that are pioneers in sustainability,” says Vesterinen, adding the city aspires to climb to the top by 2025.
In two years, Helsinki has climbed from which has climbed from 16th to 4th place on Global Destination Sustainability Index.
“Helsinki’s sustainability work and increased focus on the development of tourism is visible in the improved ranking.”
Helsinki’s target is to be carbon neutral by 2030. The city’s sustainability goals cover all sectors, from construction to travel industry and events.
In the tourism sector, the city’s sustainability work has focused on developing inclusive tourism and encouraging stronger participation by city residents in the development of tourism.
In addition, the City of Helsinki measures the carbon footprint of tourism, promotes the measures of the Helsinki Tourism Climate Road Map and supports travel industry along the path of sustainable tourism.
The Global Destination Sustainability Index measures the sustainability of tourist destinations in four different categories using 70 indicators. Helsinki has been ranked in the index since it began in 2015.
