Sustainable development
The activities from the tourism industry impact people, communities and the environment both positively and negatively. Gothenburg’s goal is to be a sustainable destination. This means that the destination should be welcoming and inclusive, have growing and thriving businesses, and focus on environmentally and climate-smart development. It also means that a growing tourism industry should contribute to the development of people and living environments.
Gothenburg aims to be a role model and a frontrunner in sustainability.
Collaboration is Gothenburg’s superpower
The development of Gothenburg in a sustainable direction has been underway for a long time. We carry out this work with a long-term perspective and in collaboration with partners and stakeholders across the tourism industry, academia, civil society and the public sector. There is a shared conviction that sustainable development in practice is the way forward for the destination. Collaboration is the destination’s superpower and a key success factor in its sustainability efforts.
International awards
Over the years, the destination has received recognition for its sustainability work, including being ranked number one in the Global Destination Sustainability Index from 2016 to 2023 (with the exception of 2020, when no index was published). In 2025, the UN selected Gothenburg as its new “Sustainable Lifestyle Hub”.
How does Göteborg & Co contribute?
Göteborg & Co is to be a role model in sustainable and smart destination development and contribute to long-term positive societal impact.
- We will be a force for positive impact and change, a role model and a frontrunner, leading the way in what we do and in the areas within our control.
- We will encourage and challenge the destination’s stakeholders and partners to develop in a sustainable direction.
- We will inspire and support sustainable choices within the destination’s offering.
- We will engage in and create projects that contribute to business opportunities and a strong global position.
Through the framework “Gothenburg Way to Legacy”, we work in collaboration to create long-term impacts from events and meetings. Göteborg & Co is also leading and coordinating the City of Gothenburg’s Destination Development Programme 2023–2030.
Recognitions and certifications
Here is a selection of our recognitions:
- Gothenburg has been selected by the European Commission as one of the EU’s 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, leading the way in the climate transition. In 2024, Gothenburg received the “EU Mission Label”, a climate contract with an action plan and investment strategy to achieve its targets.
- Gothenburg was awarded silver in the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards 2022.
- Best Sustainable City Stay, Lonely Planet 2021.
- Gothenburg, together with Málaga, was named European Capital of Smart Tourism 2020. Cities awarded this title must demonstrate strong performance in four categories: accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity.
- In 2016, the City of Gothenburg received the UNFCCC Momentum of Change Climate Change Award for being the first city in the world to issue green bonds, already in 2013.
- Gothenburg was awarded the Access City Award 2014 by the European Commission. The award recognises and celebrates European cities that have done exceptional work in addressing accessibility challenges.
- The City of Gothenburg has been certified as a Fairtrade City since 2011.
