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Tampere continues its upward trajectory in the international Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. The GDS Index is a global benchmarking system that annually measures the sustainability of tourism destinations from the perspectives of environment, social sustainability, tourism industry practices, and strategic city leadership. The index is widely used internationally as a tool for developing tourism.

Tampere’s strong result is grounded in the city’s high-quality, diverse, and long-term environmental work as well as investments in advancing social responsibility. Tourism sustainability goals and climate actions have been integrated into the city’s strategy and climate roadmap. The GDS Index serves as an important international benchmark and unifying tool for monitoring this work.

“Sustainable tourism is developing rapidly on an international scale, as cities around the world increasingly invest in it. This makes Tampere’s ability to improve its overall score and ranking especially significant. There is still work ahead, particularly in strengthening the positive impacts of tourism on the local economy and community, as well as in preparing for potential side effects,” says Anna-Krista Sorvoja, Director of Business Development at Visit Tampere.

“The most important foundation of this success is the outstanding work of Tampere’s and the Pirkanmaa region’s tourism businesses and event sector. The majority of hotels and major attractions have sustainability certifications, and alongside them we also have many smaller pioneers of sustainability,” says Matti Pollari, Sustainable Tourism Development Manager at Visit Tampere.

Strategy and Collaboration Drive Progress

The GDS Index emphasizes the continuous strategic development of tourism sustainability and the monitoring of results. Tampere responded to this through the priorities and clear indicators defined in its new tourism strategy, developed under the leadership of Visit Tampere. Another major step forward was achieving the Sustainable Travel Finland destination label and the related sustainable tourism development plan.

“Tampere is committed to the local implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), and the GDS Index strongly supports progress in line with these goals. This year’s result in the GDS Index is one of Tampere’s success stories that we are proud to present in international networks,” says Sanna Mari Huikuri, Development Manager at the City of Tampere.

Looking Ahead

Tampere will continue its determined efforts towards even more sustainable tourism. The international benchmarking information provided by the GDS Index supports the city’s and tourism industry’s goals in strengthening climate and environmental action, embedding sustainability measures in tourism businesses, and enabling responsible choices for visitors.

Learn more: https://www.gds.earth/index/top-40-cities/

Further information

Matti Pollari
Sustainable Tourism Development Manager, Visit Tampere
+35840 800 7800
matti.pollari@visittampere.fi

Anna-Krista Sorvoja
Director of Business Development, Visit Tampere
+35840 594 5262
anna-krista.sorvoja@visittampere.fi

Sanna Mari Huikuri
Development Manager, City of Tampere
+35850 432 4022
sanna.m.huikuri@tampere.fi