editorial

<p class="da-article-byline">Words by Christopher P. Hill<br />December 28, 2024</p>
<p><em>With their focus on protecting the environment and their local communities, these cities have been ranked as the world’s top 10 most sustainable travel destinations.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_141397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-141397" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-141397 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Helsinsky-by-Public-Transport.jpg" alt="Getting around Helsinki by public transport or bike is easy." width="1200" height="800" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-141397" class="wp-caption-text">Getting around Helsinki by public transport or bike is easy. (Courtesy of Julia Kivelä/Visit Finland)</figcaption></figure>
<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>ince its launch nine years ago, conscientious travelers looking to plan trips to eco-friendly cities have turned to the <a href="https://www.gds.earth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Destination Sustainability Index</strong></a> for guidance. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the international benchmarking program evaluates destinations based on their sustainability efforts in tourism and events, measuring their performance across four key areas: environmental responsibility, supplier engagement, social progress, and destination management. The index’s latest report, published in October, ranks 40 cities—the majority in Europe—that are leading the way in regenerative travel and sustainable living. Here are the top 10.</p>
<h2><strong>1. Helsinki</strong>, Finland</h2>
<p>Ousting Sweden’s Gothenburg from its top spot on previous GDS-Indexes (a position it had held since 2016), the Finnish capital takes this year’s title for most sustainable destination. Ranked fourth last year, the harborside city scored a solid 92.4 percent, thanks in large part to its commitment to reducing emissions in all its activities—Helsinki’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The city has also invested in low-emission transport solutions: about one-third of the bus fleet in the Helsinki region has been electrified, and over 30 kilometers of new tramways will be introduced in Helsinki over the next decade.</p>
<h3><strong style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">2. Gothenburg</strong><span style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">, Sweden</span></h3>
<p>Also aiming for a near-zero climate footprint by 2030 is Sweden’s second-largest metropolitan area, where most of the energy for public transport already comes from renewable sources. The region’s Göteborg Landvetter Airport is one of only 18 airports worldwide to receive the highest level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, while eco-certified hotels and sustainable urban planning practices are supported by broad-ranging green initiatives.</p>
<h4><strong style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">3. Copenhagen</strong><span style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">, Denmark</span></h4>
<p>This pioneering Danish city may have fumbled its goal to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025, but it’s still among the world’s greenest destinations, in part for its cycling culture and extensive public parks. Recent initiatives like CopenPay, which provided visitors with sustainability information and rewards for eco-friendly behavior, underly the city’s commitment to reducing its tourism-related carbon footprint.</p>
<h5><strong style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">4. Bergen</strong><span style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">, Norway</span></h5>
<p>At the number four spot with a score of 86.49 percent is Bergen, situated on the southwestern coast of Norway between two of the country’s biggest fjords. Since 2023, the city has been home to what it bills as the world’s longest purpose-built cycling tunnel; it also boasts an innovative sea port that, through measures such as shoreside power facilities and differentiated port fees based on ships’ emissions, aims to set new standards for the cruise industry worldwide.</p>
<h6><strong>5. Aarhus</strong>, Denmark</h6>
<p>Edging up from its sixth-place standing last year, Denmark’s “City of Smiles” has plenty to be happy about as it moves closer to realizing its target of carbon neutrality. A compact and very walkable town, Aarhus also has a plethora of EV charging stations and climate-friendly hotels, not to mention eight pristine beaches and plenty of green spaces.</p>
<figure id="attachment_141395" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-141395" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-141395 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Gothenburgs-Magasinsgatan-The-Jardin-Public-1.jpg" alt="A bustling courtyard off Gothenburg’s Magasinsgatanshopping street; the Jardin Public in central Bordeaux." width="1200" height="800" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-141395" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Left to right</em>: A bustling courtyard off Gothenburg’s Magasinsgatan shopping street; the Jardin Public in central Bordeaux. (Photos: Ernie Enknelaar/westseden.com; Sophie Duboscq)</figcaption></figure>
<h6><strong style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">6. Bordeaux</strong><span style="font-family: var(--list--font-family); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);">, France</span></h6>
<p>Surrounded by some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, Bordeaux has earned kudos for its efforts to promote and develop low-carbon local tourism. Notably, all winegrowers in the area are expected to adopt eco-certified practices by 2030, which will enable visitors to partake in all of Bordeaux’s epicurean delights without being concerned about their carbon footprint.</p>
<h6><strong>7. Singapore</strong></h6>
<p>Rising in the rankings from 17th place in 2023, Singapore stands out as one of only two non-European destinations in this year’s top 10 (the other is Sydney). A score of 83.37 percent recognizes the city-state’s commitment to achieving real change. Among a slew of ambitious initiatives, the Singapore Green Plan will see 1,000 hectares of green spaces added by 2035, a five-fold increase to solar energy deployment, greater emphasis on sustainable tourism, and increased local food production to meet 30 percent of the country’s needs.</p>
<h6><strong>8. Oslo</strong>, Norway</h6>
<p>Home to the world’s highest proportion of electric cars, the Norwegian capital is also known for preserving its green spaces—it’s estimated there are 2,100 kilometers of nature trails within the city limits. Oslo was also the first city to adopt a climate budget following the 2015 Paris Agreement, with a pledge to reduce its carbon emissions by 95 percent by 2030.</p>
<h6><strong>9. Belfast</strong>, United Kingdom</h6>
<p>Through the collaborative efforts of its city council and a wide range of tourism industry partners, Northern Ireland’s buzzing capital now ranks as the most sustainable visitor destination in the UK. Launched in 2020, the city’s first climate plan aims to make Belfast carbon neutral by the middle of the century.</p>
<h6><strong>10. Sydney</strong>, Australia</h6>
<p>With a score of 83.13 percent, Sydney is the only Australian destination to make it to the index’s top 10 (Melbourne and Brisbane appear farther down the list). The harbor city’s sustainability bona fides encompass environmental initiatives, social progress, and responsible tourism practices.</p>
<figure id="attachment_141396" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-141396" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-141396 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Singapores-Southern-Ridges-Rail-Sydneys-Iconic-Opera-House.jpg" alt="Left to right: An elevated walkway along Singapore’s southern Ridges rail. " width="1200" height="800" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-141396" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Left to right</em>: An elevated walkway along Singapore’s southern Ridges rail; Sydney’s iconic Opera House. (Photos: Singapore Tourism Board; iStockphoto.com/ai_yoshi)</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://subscription.destinasian.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">December 2024/February 2025</a> print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“A Clean Slate”).</em></p>


Getting around Helsinki by public transport or bike is easy.

The Most Sustainable Cities for Travel, Ranked