When destinations worldwide are compared in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), Gothenburg once again ranks among the leaders. In this year’s ranking, the city takes second place, further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations. The results were announced on 23 September.

“It is encouraging to see how the GDS-Index helps destinations around the world challenge and inspire one another in their sustainability efforts. The fact that several destinations are once again very close at the top this year demonstrates the power of knowledge sharing and collaboration. We look forward to continuing this work together in the years ahead,” says Katarina Thorstensson, Sustainability Strategist at Göteborg & Co.

The GDS-Index is a development tool and ranking launched in 2016 by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. Gothenburg has topped the ranking seven times and came second to Helsinki in 2024 and 2025.

The ranking is based on nearly 80 criteria covering all dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. Once again, the results at the top were very close, with Gothenburg scoring 91.29 points, compared with 92.94 points for Helsinki and 90.35 points for Copenhagen.

“Congratulations to Helsinki on taking first place. Gothenburg’s position once again among the world’s leading sustainable destinations is strong recognition of the long-term work being carried out collaboratively across the city. Our sustainability credentials are an important reason why international meetings and events choose Gothenburg, and they strengthen the city’s attractiveness and international competitiveness,” says Peter Grönberg, CEO of Göteborg & Co.

More information about the GDS-Index: https://www.gds.earth/

Top 5:

1. Helsingfors
2. Gothenburg
3. Copenhagen
4. Aarhus
5. Aalborg