Appendix 2: English Core Cities Project Overview
Project Overview
VisitEngland is committed to supporting destinations across the country to become more sustainable.
In 2023 VisitEngland initiated a pilot project in collaboration with the English Core Cities (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield) to kick start their journey to a regenerative destination management approach, working in partnership with the GDS-Movement.
About the project
As part of the pilot project the English Core Cities benchmarked their sustainability practices using the GDS-Index in 2023 and 2024. They participated in various online and offline capacity-building workshops and received coaching support from the GDS-Movement with a core objective to develop and enhance their action plans and performance in sustainable and regenerative tourism management.
About the GDS-Index
The Global Destinations Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) is a performance improvement programme to assess and accelerate the progress of a destination’s regenerative journey. As a paid service, the GDS-Index measures, benchmarks, and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of over 100 destination management organisations, municipal authorities, and their tourism supply chains.
Co-founded in 2016 by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), IMEX Group, and MCI, the GDS- Index offers an unparalleled resource for visitors, destinations, municipalities and event planners looking for destinations that offer the best in sustainable performance. Find out more at www.gds.earth/index/
In 2024 the GDS-Index is used by 17 UK destinations, including the Core Cities and over 100 destinations globally.
Owen quote
The GDS-Index has been invaluable in identifying our gaps and areas for improvement as well as demonstrating where our destination is performing well. The report and session with the GDSMovement team provides a robust analysis of our performance and gives ideas and feedback on how to move forward for the next year. The team is really supportive and has guided us every step of the way.
How the GDS-Index Works
Benchmarking: The GDS-Index comprehensively assesses the sustainability performance of destinations based on 77 quantitative and qualitative criteria, providing a benchmark against which they can measure themselves against local, competitor and international destinations. It holistically looks at aspects such as environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability performance, industry supplier support, and the destinations own strategy and initiatives.
Knowledge sharing: Destinations participating in the GDS-Index gain access to best practices and case studies from around the world, allowing them to learn from others’ successes and challenges.
Collaboration and engagement: By providing a common framework, the GDS-Index facilitates collaboration between different interested parties in the tourism and events industry, including local governments, businesses, and residents.
Action plan: By identifying specific areas of strength and weakness, and matching them to best practice examples, the GDS-Index helps destinations quickly set objectives, develop an action plan and priority list that is aligned with global standards, such as the UN SDGs.
Performance measurement: The index offers a powerful online system to measure and report on the sustainability performance of destinations, covering both the management of the destination itself and its supply chain. Destinations can use the GDS-Index to track their progress over time, identifying trends and making data-driven decisions to improve their performance.
Marketing advantage: It provides recognition for destinations that are leading in sustainability, helping them to market themselves as responsible destinations to event organisers and visitors.
