Helsinki Tops Global Destination Sustainability Index for the Third Year in a Row

HELSINKI, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Helsinki has once again been ranked first in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, for the third year in a row. The latest results were published on Wednesday 23 September.

The international Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index measures the sustainability of tourist destinations in four different categories based on more than 70 indicators. Over a hundred cities around the world committed to sustainability are included in the comparison, and for the third year in a row, Helsinki tops the list.

"Securing the top position for the third consecutive year demonstrates that sustainability is not a one-off achievement but a long-term strategic commitment. This recognition reaffirms that Helsinki is moving in the right direction and inspires us to continue raising the bar," states Nina Vesterinen, Director of Tourism, City of Helsinki.

The timing of the publication of this year's index is particularly significant, as the EU's new 'Empowering Consumers Directive' (EmpCo) enters into force. This directive aims to combat unsubstantiated claims about sustainability efforts by requiring sustainability claims to be backed up by independently verifiable empirical data. "Considering the EmpCo directive, topping this year's GDS Index is one of the proofs that Helsinki's sustainability efforts are not just words, but are measurable and verifiable," according to Vesterinen.

Helsinki's sustainability is built on cooperation

The GDS Index assesses sustainability in four categories: environmental performance, supply chains, destination management and social sustainability. Helsinki's sustainability as a tourist destination is the result of cooperation between many operators. For example, the increasing number of companies with environmental certifications and the more climate-friendly production of district heating and electricity have helped Helsinki reach the top of the list. 

"Achieving the top ranking in the GDS Index reflects the strength of collaboration in Helsinki. For years, the city, tourism and event businesses, and numerous partners have worked together to make Helsinki a more sustainable destination," comments Tourism Director Vesterinen.

Helsinki as a global leader

Sitting in the top spot is not unusual for Finns, as Finland famously ranks as the Happiest Country in the World for the 9^th year in a row according to the World Happiness Report. The continuation of Helsinki's success in the GDS Index result strengthens Helsinki's position as an internationally attractive tourism and events destination.

The results of the GDS Index emphasise Helsinki as a global leader in several sustainability metrics. For example, 98% of hotels with more than 50 rooms are environmentally certified, compared to the European average of just 10%. If other destinations are looking to improve on sustainability efforts in their cities, Helsinki stands out as a great model to follow. And despite nearly perfect scores in certain categories, Helsinki's work is not finished.

The introduction of the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive reshapes how sustainability is marketed and discussed across the EU's public and private sectors. Namely, the directive bans generic claims such as 'sustainability,' 'eco-friendly,' and 'green' without clear and verifiable evidence to support these claims. As businesses and destinations alike scramble to find data to back their claims in light of this new directive, Helsinki benefits from several independent third-party data sets such as the GDS Index. Not only does the data affirm Helsinki's sustainability efforts but also demonstrates just how impressive Helsinki's metrics are compared to other destinations.

Tourism and city growth call for continued sustainability efforts

While this year's results are remarkable, Helsinki is pushing further. With a 93% score in the GDS Index, there is still room for improvement and Helsinki's tourism director indicates the city if moving full force to improve on this year's results.

The City of Helsinki has several sustainability-related projects and measures underway, such as establishing a working group called 'Sustainability Leaders' as part of the Helsinki Makers networks, activating local leaders in promoting sustainable focused activities across the city. 

"We are delighted with Helsinki's great ranking again, but at the same time it sets high goals for us to remain at the top of the Index in the future. According to Helsinki's new tourism and events development program, tourism and events will be developed through practices that support sustainability, while aiming for year-round availability, strengthening the city's attractiveness and extending the stay of tourists. That is why we want to invest in sustainability in close collaboration with tourism and events companies and other actors," comments Tourism Director Vesterinen. 

"Despite its sustainability credentials, Helsinki as a tourist destination still has room for improvement. Finding a balance is not an easy task, but we are doing our best. A large proportion of international tourists visiting the city arrive by boat or by air, the climate impacts of which we acknowledge. Accordingly, we are aiming to attract more and more tourists from Finland and neighboring European regions," concludes Vesterinen. 

Media Contact: 
Gideon Hagström
Specialist, Brand & PR, Helsinki Partners
[email protected]
+358 40 190 3994

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SOURCE Helsinki Partners