Now ranked 45th, Liverpool is the second most improved destination in the 2026 GDS-Index, with a 20% improvement in destination management
Liverpool has recorded another significant improvement in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, moving up to 45th in the rankings and recording a score of 71%.
The latest results place Liverpool as the second most improved destination in Northern Europe, behind The Malverns, following continued work across the visitor economy to improve environmental, social and destination management performance.
Liverpool recorded a 20% improvement compared with last year in the destination management category, demonstrating strengthened governance, stakeholder engagement and sustainability planning across the visitor economy.
These latest results represent continued progress since Liverpool first entered the GDS Index in 2021, when it ranked second from bottom.
The GDS Index is an international benchmarking programme which assesses destinations across four key areas – destination management, environmental performance, social performance and supplier performance – providing a framework for destinations to measure progress and identify areas for further improvement.
The 2026 GDS-Index programme brought together 81 destinations. Since 2016, more than 700 assessments across 38 countries have been completed. Over that period, the average GDS-Index score across participating destinations has risen by 45.5%. This year, 89% of destinations assessed in both 2025 and 2026 improved their score.
Liverpool’s latest result places it among the leading destinations in England, with a score of 71%, behind Manchester (75%) and The Malverns (74%), and ahead of Bristol (65%), Bath (61%) and Leeds (58%). Across the UK, Glasgow currently leads with 88%, followed by Belfast at 87%.
The result builds on Liverpool’s previous recognition at the GDS Awards, when the destination was named the most improved destination in 2023.
The destination has also been recognised as the world’s first Accelerator City for climate action, reflecting work to accelerate decarbonisation and develop more sustainable approaches across sectors including live music and TV and film production. Liverpool has a target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Other recent initiatives include the launch of Liverpool City Region’s first Sustainable Visitor Travel Guide, providing residents and visitors with practical information on travelling more sustainably across the destination. LCRDP (Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership) has also recently achieved Green Tourism Bronze accreditation as a destination management organisation, recognising its commitment to sustainable destination management.
The latest GDS result reflects the renewed focus on collaboration across the Liverpool City Region visitor economy. In April, LCRDP brought together visitor economy leaders, businesses, public sector partners and sustainability specialists at the GDS Sustainability Sprint at the Museum of Liverpool, creating a practical forum to turn the region’s sustainability ambitions into action.
The Sprint built on the work of the Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Sustainability Action Plan and the GDS framework, with partners sharing knowledge, identifying barriers and exploring practical solutions across areas including sustainable transport, food and supply chains, waste, business resilience and responsible growth. The event also helped reconnect businesses and organisations with the wider sustainability taskforce, strengthening the collaborative approach that underpins Liverpool City Region’s progress in the GDS Index.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:
“We are delighted to see Liverpool City Region continue to make progress in the Global Destination Sustainability Index and to be recognised as the second most improved destination this year.
“Sustainability is not something that can be delivered by one organisation or one sector. It depends on collaboration across the whole visitor economy – from our accommodation providers, attractions and venues to transport operators, event organisers, businesses and our public-sector partners.
“Our journey through the GDS Index has shown just how much can be achieved when we work together. To have moved from second from bottom when we first participated in 2021 to 45th today is a significant achievement.
“But we know that the job is far from finished. The Index gives us a valuable way of measuring where we are making progress and where we need to do more. Our ambition is to continue working with partners across the Liverpool City Region to create a visitor economy that delivers positive environmental, economic and social benefits for our communities, our businesses and our visitors.”
Liverpool’s progress is supported by a growing network of businesses and venues taking practical steps to improve their sustainability performance. Our sustainable tourism programme highlights Green Tourism-accredited accommodation, attractions and activities, as well as sustainable travel options and ways for visitors to make more responsible choices.
The city’s business events sector is also embedding sustainability into the visitor offer, with Liverpool Convention Bureau promoting sustainable venues, local suppliers, plant-based catering, low-carbon travel and opportunities for event organisers to create positive local social and environmental impact.
The latest GDS result comes as Liverpool City Region prepares for a major programme of international events and visitor economy opportunities over the coming years, including the Tour de France Grand Départ and the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball European Championships in 2027 and UEFA EURO 2028.
The Global Destination Sustainability Index is an international benchmarking programme for destinations, measuring performance across four key areas: destination management, environmental performance, social performance and supplier performance. The 2026 methodology comprises 74 indicators and aligns with internationally recognised frameworks including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Criteria.
Liverpool’s precise GDS score is 70.5884%, which is rounded to 71% in comparative reporting. Liverpool’s latest result follows significant progress since first participating in the GDS Index in 2021.For the full GDS rankings and results, visit the Global Destination Sustainability Movement rankings.
For more Liverpool City Region sustainable initiatives, click HERE.