This year’s index criteria feature key refinements designed to improve accuracy, streamline assessments, and support destinations in their sustainability journey more keenly. The latest updates integrate third-party data sets, refine evaluation criteria, and align certification requirements with evolving industry standards.
The annual review, guided by input from destinations, a dedicated Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and other interested parties, ensures that the index remains a robust and transparent improvement programme. The 2025 updates introduce minimal refinements while maintaining the integrity of the assessment framework.
Key Enhancements Include:
- Integration of third-party data – New partnerships with BeCause and Murmuration bring externally-validated data into the index, improving efficiency and reducing the obligation to destinations. BeCause will provide verified sustainability certification data for hotels, while Murmuration will supply satellite data for five key environmental indicators: Renewable Energy (EN-7), Particle Pollution 2.5 (EN-12), Particle Pollution 10 (EN-13), Bike Paths (EN-16), and Green Areas (EN-19).
- Clearer certification requirements – The 2025 GDS-Index aligns with certifications that are Travalyst-compliant or GSTC-accredited, ensuring greater consistency in sustainability credentials. From 2026, certifications accepted by the GDS-Index will have to be accredited and adhere to stricter standards to maintain credibility and transparency.
- Streamlined process – Minor refinements to 14 criteria have simplified responses, integrated third-party data, and improved clarity, making the benchmarking process easier and more valuable for destinations.
- Redesigned criteria – accessibility and short-term rental – Updates reflect a more inclusive approach to public transport and public spaces’ accessibility, as well as improved evaluation of short-term tourism rental management, acknowledging diverse destination contexts.
- Enhanced transparency – The GDS-Index remains committed to consultation with the TAC and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing trust, and ensuring the methodology aligns more with emerging global sustainability standards.
Commenting on the 2025 updates, Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement, stated: “The 2025 GDS-Index strengthens our commitment to delivering greater value for destination management organisations. By integrating trusted third-party data from BeCause and Murmuration, we are reducing administration, saving time and improving accuracy. These refinements ensure that the GDS-Index is more meaningful, insightful, and better-aligned with emerging industry needs, driving real progress towards more regenerative and resilient destination management in an increasingly unsettled world.”
Looking ahead, the 2026 GDS-Index will undergo a definitive review to align with the upcoming EU Green Claims Directive, expected to take effect in September 2026. The review process, beginning in April 2026, will be led by the GDS-Movement, in collaboration with the TAC and in consultation with participating destinations, to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
Tags: GDS-Movement
