Helsinki tops Global Destination Sustainability Index for third consecutive year

Helsinki has once again been ranked first in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, marking the third consecutive year the Finnish capital has secured the top position.

The international GDS Index evaluates the sustainability performance of destinations across environmental performance, supply chains, destination management and social sustainability through more than 70 indicators. More than one hundred destinations worldwide participate in the benchmarking.

"Helsinki’s third consecutive number one ranking in the Global Destination Sustainability Index is a remarkable hat-trick and a testament to years of dedicated work towards more sustainable tourism. What makes this achievement particularly compelling is that it is built on measurable and verifiable actions. In Helsinki, for example, almost the entire hotel room capacity and all major event venues are independently certified, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing sustainability across the destination’s tourism ecosystem," says Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development at Visit Finland.

"At the same time, Helsinki has not rested on its achievements. The city has taken a forward-looking approach to developing regenerative tourism, actively exploring new ways to increase tourism's positive contributions to local communities, culture and the environment, while encouraging visitors to take part in creating those benefits.

Helsinki's hat-trick at the top of the GDS Index is no coincidence. It reflects years of collaboration, independently verified progress, and a willingness to continuously push the boundaries of what sustainable tourism can achieve," Kokkarinen continues.

Visit Finland supports the sustainable development of tourism through the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme, a national framework for tourism businesses and destinations. Organisations that complete the programme and meet its criteria are awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label. Compliance with the programme requirements is independently verified by a qualified third party and must be renewed regularly.

Today, hundreds of Finnish tourism businesses and destinations participate in the programme, creating a common foundation for measurable and continuously improving sustainability practices across the sector. Helsinki and Tampere have emerged as important forerunners in this work. Their long-term commitment, ability to turn sustainability goals into practical action and willingness to share experiences have inspired destinations across Finland. Together, these cities demonstrate how cooperation between local authorities, tourism businesses and national organisations can accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Helsinki’s third consecutive number one ranking in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, together with Tampere’s established position among the top-performing destinations, demonstrates that the Finnish tourism industry is capable of combining ambitious goals, concrete action, and independently verifiable results.