The 2023 GDS-Awards, held during the GDS-Forum in Valencia, Spain, have acknowledged exemplary efforts in destination sustainability.
Hosted by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), this event celebrated destinations pushing the boundaries of sustainability.
Winners:
- Leadership Award: Gothenburg, Sweden, represented by Göteborg & Co
- Most Improved Destination Award: Liverpool, United Kingdom, represented by Liverpool Convention Bureau
- Innovation Award: Washington DC, United States, represented by Destination DC
- GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT Impact Award: Sydney, Australia, represented by BESydney
These winners exemplify excellence in sustainability and positive impact within their respective categories.
Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker of GDS-Movement, stated: “GDS-Movement salutes the 2023 GDS-Awards’ winners for their profound achievements that inspire and inform. Sustainability is a systemic solution where everybody wins, and winning practices can be analysed, borrowed, adapted, and scaled for exponential positive impact. We encourage all destinations to take their cue from these leaders and work together with us to transform tourism and events into a tool for regeneration in every destination on earth.”
The winners received recognition and had the opportunity to present their initiatives at the GDS-Movement’s “Feeling the Pulse” webinar on October 11 and 12, 2023. The event offered valuable insights, trend exploration, and shared knowledge for those committed to sustainable destinations.