Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement)’s Post

Sustainability News Alert: Kerry maintains #19 ranking in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) Index!! ☘️ We scored 77.65% out of 100 ☘️ Sixth consecutive year in Top 20 ☘️ Retaining our position of #1 Irish destination as per the Index As a #FutureFocused region committed to regenerative destination management, this year's result once again illustrates the true spirit of collaboration, partnership and commitment of our #Kerry industry. This year, 99 destinations were benchmarked, including ten new participants. The GDS Index is dominated by large cities, a metropolis and a megacity and there, maintaining a presence in the Top 20 for the sixth year in a row is Kerry, a unique region unified by its vision for the future of sustainability woven into the fabric of its distinct landscape, culture and heritage. We are inspired and proud that the sustainability ambitions of our community of tourism suppliers, event profs and industry partners mirror those of our valued clients and partners on a global stage. We are also thrilled that ALL of our fellow Convention Bureaux of Ireland colleagues are represented in the Top 40 - it is an incredible achievement to see all our regions represented and ranked alongside key MICE destinations across the world - this is testament to the collective mission we are all undertaking to put Ireland on the map as a green business events destination of choice. We’d like to extend a massive thank you to all our industry partners; Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and the Kerry Sustainable Tourism Group, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Munster Technological University who once again supported us to collate all the necessary information for the submission 🙏 This ongoing industry support is invaluable & we look forward to continuing together with our #Kerry partners on this #SustainabilityJourney, implementing and delivering on #SustainableTourismGoals which strengthen and underpin #Kerry's reputation as an Irish #GreenDestination of choice ☘ #EventProfs, for more information on how you can partner together with KCB to #MakeItIreland and deliver legacy and impact in a memorable and meaningful #MeetInKerry event, please visit https://lnkd.in/dKG9kgP #SmallStepsMakeBigDifferences #KerryTourismTogether #MeetInKerry #MakeItIreland

The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) has unveiled its 2024 rankings, highlighting the Top 40 Sustainable Destinations from around the globe. 🏆 We are absolutely thrilled to share that 7 business events hubs on the island of Ireland are now ranked in the top 40 sustainable destinations with improvements across most regions compared to last year. These results show that Ireland is investing in its sustainability towards regeneration, and as a country, we are committed to making a difference. Ireland is among the best sustainable destinations in the index and we’re super proud to be able to share this news today. Current rankings for 2024 with improvements over last year are as follows; ✴ Belfast 9th (up 2 places) ✴ Kerry 19th (no change) ✴ Cork 21st (up 5 places) ✴ Galway 25th (up 14 places) ✴ Clare 28th (up 10 places) ✴ Dublin 29th (up 21 places) ✴ Limerick 38th (up 3 places) See the Top 40 rankings & insights 👉 https://lnkd.in/dikWXS7j Galway Convention Bureau Kerry Convention Bureau Cork Convention Bureau Dublin Convention Bureau Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau Visit Belfast Tourism Northern Ireland

Sustainable tourism isn't just about minimizing negative impacts - it's about actively regenerating environments, societies, and economies. This was the focus of the recent IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference held in January, where conversations centered on regenerative hospitality. This shift in perspective reframes sustainable tourism as a force for healing the damage done to our planet. The tourism industry, led by destination management organizations (DMOs), is instrumental in creating holistic visions for destinations that enhance their social, environmental, and economic value. At Marriott International, we're proud to share this vision and are deeply committed to initiatives that protect the environment and support local communities. I invite you to take a closer look at the following article to learn more about the importance of regenerative hospitality and the role it plays in creating a better, more sustainable future for all. #MarriottInternational #Sustainability #Hospitality

We* need to be talking to each other. This week has been positively busy for me, as the current cohort of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) #GSTCTraining Sustainable Tourism Course is wrapping up, and the upcoming one is starting. It's been not only exciting and fun to be part of the course group - exchanging ideas and sharing examples with sustainable tourism enthusiasts from around the world - but it's also been truly inspiring and motivating, personally and professionally. One of the key lessons we've highlighted through the course (one of many!) is the need to promote collaboration among stakeholders to scale solutions, rather than everyone operating in silos. Many of the sustainability challenges we face require community / destination / country level solutions. Even if it means collaborating with those that are business competitors, strengthening the overall sustainability performance of the area (including its reputation, positive branding, customer relationships) will benefit everyone in the long run. To add to this, I was further inspired today by a comment from one of the participants in the upcoming cohort who mentioned, "I'm sure we can all learn from each other". We can all learn from each other. It's such a simple point, but it's also an incredibly powerful concept. I might even go as far as to say, that's the ONLY way we achieve a more sustainable future of our industry. By learning from each other, by sharing knowledge, by collaborating with and supporting each other on building and (crucially!) spreading solutions. So a big THANK YOU to everyone who has been part of our learning-by-sharing experience (at any point in the past and present) and to those who will be in the coming weeks. And of course, to the great training team including experts like Antje Martins, Nia Klatte, David E. and many more! 🙏 A special thanks to the expert contributors for our upcoming edition (March-April: https://lnkd.in/dEK8g9FN). So thrilled to be able to learn from your examples, insights and lessons! 🌿 Morgan Mingle, Director of Sustainable Tourism, Visit Park City 🌿 Thierry Joubert, Managing Partner, Green Visions 🌿 Vincie H., Founder & Executive Director, RISE Travel Institute 🌿 Lucas Q. Labbow, Project Manager, Arabella Hospitality SE *By "we" I mean businesses, destinations, organizations involved in sustainable tourism, including "competitors". 💪 .

🌿 Sustainable Tourism on the Rise: Insights and Implications for the Hospitality Industry 🌍 As a hospitality expert, I find the recent article "Travelers' Interest in Sustainable Tourism Options Increases" by Expedia Group Media Solutions to be both insightful and timely. The study, conducted in early 2022, reveals a growing demand for sustainable travel options among consumers. 📈 Key findings suggest that 9 in 10 travelers actively seek sustainable options when planning their trips. However, 70% feel overwhelmed by the process, indicating a need for clear and accessible information from travel brands. 🧳 Travelers are increasingly prioritizing locally owned businesses, environmentally friendly transportation, and cultural resources during their trip planning process. Over half are willing to pay more for sustainable options, and nearly 70% are prepared to sacrifice convenience for the sake of sustainability. 💸 Authenticity and transparency are crucial, as 7 in 10 consumers have avoided destinations or transportation options they perceived as not genuinely committed to sustainable practices. 🌳 To capitalize on this trend, hospitality businesses should focus on providing clear and concise sustainability messaging, utilizing visual formats to showcase the positive impacts of sustainable choices. 📣 These findings align with the growing global awareness of environmental issues and the desire for more responsible travel. As the hospitality industry continues to recover from the challenges of the past few years, embracing sustainable practices and effectively communicating them to consumers will be key to remaining competitive and meeting evolving traveler expectations. ♻️ I encourage industry professionals to share their experiences and insights on integrating sustainable practices into their operations. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry. 🤝 What steps is your organization taking to address the increasing demand for sustainable travel options? Let's discuss! 💬 [#SustainableTourism] [#HospitalityTrends]

The results of our sessions for New York Climate week are covered in short form here.

We hear a lot about transparency in the sector when it comes to data reporting and with that comes trust. BeCause has partnered with Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) The partnership will mean tourism and event organisations, including Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), will have insight into their region’s sustainable accommodations and offerings. Frederik Rubens Steensgaard, CEO of BeCause said: “Trust is the foundation of sustainability. By automating the verification of sustainability claims with direct communication from certification bodies, we ensure that trust is prioritised across the entire value chain – from consumers to tourism organisations.” #data #reporting #sustainability #hotels #CSRD #certifications

Innovative practices and trends are shaping the travel industry, highlighting how destinations are balancing visitor experiences with environmental responsibility. Discover how these changes are transforming travel for the better! #travel #sustainability #tourism #green #saudiarabia #thekreis https://lnkd.in/eVedsWjr

As a proud Caribbean/ island girl I have always been proud of being from this region for more reasons than one. The Tourism sector being the Caribbean's main GDP earner for most island's meant that I wanted to spend my professional life looking at ways in which the sector can be improved so it benefits not just visitors to the region but its local people, hence my love affair with sustainable development particularly within the hospitality and tourism industry. Four years ago just before the pandemic and during the birth of my entreprenurial pursuits I began broadening my perspective and came across the concept of Eco-Lux Tourism and it's symbiotic relationship with a destinations sustainability pursuits, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDs). I very quickly realized that this concept was not about quantity but quality and authenticity. It is with this that I am excited to continue to explore the potential of eco-luxe tourism in the Caribbean not excluding its other sub-sectors, particulary food & beverage, accommodations etc and its impact on local economies! 🌊💼 The Caribbean region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury and sustainability. By embracing eco-luxury tourism, Caribbean nations can not only enhance their value offering to visitors but also uplift local communities and boost economic growth. Here's how eco-luxury tourism can benefit the Caribbean: 1️⃣ Sustainable Development: Eco-luxury resorts and experiences prioritize environmental conservation and community engagement, ensuring that tourism development is in harmony with the natural surroundings. 2️⃣ Economic Empowerment: Eco-luxury tourism creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their craftsmanship and cultural heritage. 3️⃣ Exclusivity and Preservation: By offering exclusive eco-luxury experiences, Caribbean destinations can reduce the strain on natural resources and mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism. Eco-conscious travelers are willing to pay a premium for unique and sustainable experiences, allowing Caribbean nations to prioritize quality over quantity and preserve the pristine beauty of their islands. 4️⃣ Cultural Exchange: By immersing travelers in authentic cultural experiences, such as culinary tours, traditional music performances, and artisan workshops, the Caribbean can promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation while celebrating its rich diversity. By embracing eco-luxury tourism, the Caribbean can position itself as a global leader in sustainable travel while creating lasting positive impacts on local economies and communities. Let's work together to unlock the full potential of eco-luxury tourism and build a brighter, more sustainable future for the Caribbean! 🏝️✨ #EcoLuxury #CaribbeanTourism #SustainableTravel #CommunityEmpowerment

Embracing the Sustainable Tourism Boom: The Greening of Getaways Key Insights: 🎯 Rise of the Eco-Conscious Traveler: A staggering 69% of travelers are planning trips with sustainability in mind, indicating a fundamental change in values. 🎯 Demand for Eco-Friendly Accommodations: 78% of travelers are actively seeking accommodations that align with their sustainability values. 🎯 Market Potential: The global sustainable tourism market is projected to reach $8.73 billion by 2031, highlighting the financial viability of sustainable practices. As we move forward, embracing sustainability is not just a choice; it’s a responsibility. Businesses that adapt will thrive, while those that don’t risk being left behind. The tourism industry is undergoing a significant transformation as travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability. Read the full article