Glasgow has been named one of the world’s leading cities for sustainable tourism and events after placing sixth globally and first in the UK and Ireland among participating destinations in the 2026 Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index.
Launched in 2016, the Index benchmarks the sustainability performance of tourism and events destinations around the world. It assesses environmental and social performance, the sustainability of tourism and events businesses, and how destinations manage and develop their visitor economy.
Glasgow has taken part in the GDS Index since 2016, with 2026 marking a decade of benchmarking its progress against destinations around the world. The Index assesses the sustainability of the city itself, as well as its events and tourism industry, including hotels, conference venues, and visitor attractions.
In the 2026 edition, Nordic cities dominated the highest places, with Helsinki leading overall, followed by Gothenburg and Copenhagen. Glasgow’s sixth place puts it ahead of other major cities, including Sydney in seventh and Belfast further in the top 10.
Almost three quarters, or 73%, of Glasgow’s hotels now hold green accreditation, up from 66% at the time of the city’s 2025 submission. Eight of the city’s top 10 visitor attractions also hold third-party sustainability certification.
Sustainability is also a key part of Glasgow’s efforts to attract and host conferences and major events. Through the Glasgow Conference Impact Network, the city works with conference organisers and local organisations to create benefits for communities beyond the events themselves.
In 2025, the network worked with 40 local organisations, delivered nine activities linked to conferences in the city, reached more than 4,000 members of the public, and engaged more than 680 young people. The activities covered subjects including mental health, public health, sustainability, business tourism, engineering, and physics, taking conference themes into communities through workshops and public engagement.
The Glasgow Convention Bureau has also launched its Meetings Mean More initiative, connecting conference organisers with community organisations and helping visiting events create a wider positive impact in the city. The approach aims to leave lasting legacies for local people while strengthening the city’s appeal as a responsible host for business events.
This work sits alongside Glasgow’s wider sustainability ambitions, including the Glasgow Climate Plan 2026-2030 and the Glasgow Tourism Action Plan 2026-2028, which includes a dedicated focus on sustainable and inclusive tourism. The Climate Plan retains the city’s target of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2030 and incorporates measures to improve climate resilience, building on earlier strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to environmental changes.
Councillor Ricky Bell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This result shows that sustainability is increasingly embedded in how Glasgow grows, welcomes visitors, and hosts major events.”
“The city has set clear ambitions on climate action, and progress within our tourism and events sector is an important part of that wider work. The increase in hotels achieving green accreditation is one example of how businesses across Glasgow are responding.”
“There is still more to do, but this recognition shows that the city is moving in the right direction.”
Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions, Destination Glasgow, said: “Glasgow’s continued recognition among the world’s leading sustainable destinations reflects the long-term commitment across the city to making our visitor economy more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable.”
“This progress is built on strong partnership working across Glasgow’s tourism and events sector, businesses, universities, communities, and public sector partners.”
“It is that collective effort which continues to strengthen Glasgow’s position as a sustainable business events destination and supports our ambition to keep improving.”