Liverpool has demonstrated its rising international reputation as a sustainable destination by climbing an impressive 10 places in the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) Index, ranking third in England and reaffirming its growing commitment to responsible tourism and environmental leadership.
The GDS-Movement is an international change agency focused on driving socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions via regenerative tourism and events. The GDS-Index is a core part of their mission, a performance improvement strategy that assesses, benchmarks, and accelerates how destinations manage sustainability and regeneration.
This achievement builds on Liverpool’s momentum after being crowned ‘Most Improved Destination’ in the 2023 GDS-Movement Awards, demonstrating consistent progress and long-term commitment with an ambitious approach to sustainability, climate action and inclusive economic growth.
The results come just as Liverpool gets ready to host EXPEDITION TWO, the next phase of the city’s pioneering programme of experiments to decarbonise the live music, film and TV sectors.
In 2024 Liverpool made history by becoming the United Nation’s first Accelerator City for Climate Action – a pioneering initiative that empowers destinations to fast-track their journey toward sustainability excellence. Through this initiative Liverpool brought together stakeholders across the city region’s visitor economy to collaborate on a shared greener future which featured a series of events called Expedition One.
This November, the city is inviting industry leaders, city officials, creative professionals and climate advocates to return to Liverpool for EXPEDITION TWO – and hear the results of 12 months of pilots and experimentation at ACC Liverpool.
It’s not only events that are leading the way in sustainability in Liverpool City Region, but venues too. With tourism and business event venues like ACC Liverpool being awarded Green Tourism accreditation alongside INTX, Hard Days Night Hotel, Strawberry Field, The Beatles Story, Leonardo Hotel, Maldron Hotel, Sunnyside Guest House and lots more claiming the accolade too. Sunnyside Guest House has also won the Gold Award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Business of The Year.
The GDS-Index results, forward-thinking activity undertaken as an Accelerator City and the work of the tourism sector in the region reinforce Liverpool City Region’s dedication to sustainable tourism and the ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2040 or sooner.
Implemented by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the Climate Action Plan highlights key sustainability aims, including investment in low-carbon innovation, active travel, clean energy and schemes that support local jobs and skills.|
On Liverpool’s rise in the GDS-Movement Index, Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:
“Liverpool’s jump in the GDS-Movement Index rankings, and the work undertaken as an Accelerator City, is a clear signal that our city, and wider region, is serious about sustainability. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our business community, residents, cultural partners, and public sector teams. Together, we are building a greener, fairer, more resilient Liverpool, and one that sets an example for responsible tourism around the world.”
You can find out more about the GDS-Movement Index HERE.