Canada Emerges as a Leading Sustainable Event Destination

05 October 2023 10:35pm

Destination Canada is pleased to share that following the release of the 2023 annual Global Destination Sustainability-Index (GDS-Index) benchmarking results, there are now 20 Canadian destinations participating in the Index, representing the highest national concentration of GDS-Index destinations globally. Achieved in collaboration with the 16 Canadian cities already participating in Destination Canada's Canadian Business Event Sustainability Plan, this milestone not only speaks to their commitment to be sustainable hosts for international events but signals the beginning of the final phase of the Plan.

The GDS-Index is the world's leading sustainability performance program for urban tourism and events destinations around the world. Used by over 100 cities globally, the GDS-Index benchmarks and improves the sustainability performance and strategies of the municipality, its tourism supply chain, and the destination management organization.

"Participation in the GDS-Index by 20 business event destinations across Canada is the highest of any country in the world. It shows our sector's commitment to meaningful, long-term transformation that really matters. The GDS-Index will help track where our destinations are currently on their sustainability journey, and how to improve from there," says Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada. "Understanding the results of the Index is just the beginning of an incredible movement to host exemplary events in Canada."

"The GDS-Movement envisions thriving destinations and communities activated by regenerative tourism and events." says Global Destination Sustainability Movement's Chief Changemaker and CEO, Guy Bigwood. "With so many Canadian destinations committed to using the GDS-Index and to improving their destinations sustainability practices, clients looking at Canada to host their event won't be confined in where they want to go. Instead, they'll be able to choose and work with destinations who are in action and can help them organise events which can regenerate their organisations, society and nature."

Launched in the spring of 2022, Destination Canada's Canadian Business Event Sustainability Plan is a first-of-its-kind national program aimed at improving the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada. There are currently 16 cities participating in the Plan: