Years come and go, but they don't always resemble each other. GDS-Index, which for the last 10 years has drawn up a ranking of the most eco-responsible MICE destinations, is no exception to the rule. Gone are Oslo, Bordeaux and Paris, which were well placed in last year's top 20. These absences are perfectly justified, since these cities chose not to take part in this year's study. While Bordeaux, for example, recognises itself in the GDS Index criteria, judged to be " solid "According to Bordeaux Tourisme's communication, the tourist office preferred " concentrate its efforts elsewhere "However, these destinations will no doubt reappear in next year's ranking. But these destinations will undoubtedly reappear next year in this ranking, which takes stock of the sustainable efforts of over 80 destinations worldwide in 2025.
Conversely, Lyon took part in the GDS-Index this year. And to good effect, as ONLYLYON Tourism and Convention ranked eighth in this barometer, climbing seven places thanks to an overall score of 84.4/100, up almost 4 points on 2024. " This excellent growth, the fruit of the hard work and commitment of all those involved in tourism, is excellent news for Lyon, its visitors and its residents.said Robert Revat, Chairman of ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès. We're proud to see that the collective momentum built up over the last few years has made Lyon a true benchmark. "
Among the initiatives that have helped Lyon win places are raising awareness among its stakeholders, with 100% employees and a growing number of members trained in CSR issues; increasing the number of eco-labelled hotels, with 90 soon to be certified; and promoting the city via the Lyoncomotive scheme, i.e. promotional tours designed to promote the arrival of participants by train from major European cities such as Barcelona, Brussels, Frankfurt, Lausanne, Turin and, of course, Paris, with Milan and Zurich in the pipeline.
Lyon, a first in France and southern Europe
The city is therefore the leading French destination in the rankings, ahead of Marseille (32e) - who didn't take part last year - and Strasbourg, at 37e in the rankings. But above all, it is ahead of all the major MICE destinations in central and southern Europe, such as Barcelona (14e), Berlin (17e), Basel (22e) and Milan (34th), while a northern city like Amsterdam is in 40th place.e position.
" This classification reflects the collective commitment of Lyon's tourism industry, of which GL events is proud to be a stakeholder through the management of the sites entrusted to it. "commented Sylvain Douce, Managing Director of Lyon Events. Another partner of ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès, Yves Grardel, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Lyon and Radisson Collection Cour des Loges Lyon, explained that " Lyon's appeal as a destination is based on its strong commitment to sustainable development, through the GDS-Index and its ambitious CSR initiatives. "
However, as always, and unsurprisingly, it is the cities of Northern Europe that take the top places in this ranking based on 76 criteria around four main themes: the environment, social issues, suppliers and service providers, and the organisation of destination management. Apart from Glasgow (5e), Lyon (8e) and Belfast (9e), the rankings have a distinctly Scandinavian flavour. With Helsinki in the lead, ahead of Gothenburg and Copenhagen. The same podium as last year, just behind Aalborg (4e), Tampere (6e), Aarhus (7e) and Reykjavik (10e).
For the second year running, Helsinki tops the GDS-Index with a score of 93.52 %, consolidating its role as leader in sustainable business tourism. In particular, the city has committed to becoming the first major European capital to obtain Green Destinations certification, based on the eco-labelling of its tourist infrastructure, with almost 100% for its hotels and conference centres certified, as well as 80 % of its main attractions. " We are very pleased with this result, as Helsinki invests considerably in sustainable development, and this recognition confirms that we are on the right track. "said Nina Vesterinen, Director of Tourism for the Finnish capital.
Green Ireland is also doing well in the rankings, with five business tourism destinations in the Top 40: Belfast in the North, but also Kerry (12e), Cork (18e) just ahead of the capital Dublin, in 19e followed by Clare (26e), Galway (29e) and Limerick (39e). Other countries well represented in the GDS-Index are Australia and Canada, with several destinations in the Top 40. In Canada, the top 20 destinations are Montreal, Quebec City and Victoria.e, 23e and 27e respectively, while down under, Melbourne (11e) is the leading megacity in the GDS Index, ahead of Singapore (13e), as well as Barcelona and Berlin. Brisbane (16e) and Sydney (25e) were also members of the Top 40, while Adelaide, which was further behind, nonetheless received the 'Most Improved Destination' award, climbing 23 places.
While not all MICE destinations took part in this ranking, which aims to boost the sector as a whole, with a reported 30.8% improvement in performance since its launch in 2026, the GDS-Index nevertheless covers other big names that do not feature in its Top 40, such as Washington in the Atlantic, Bangkok in Asia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East and, in Europe, Geneva, Madrid and Luxembourg.
