Inspiration Hub

At the GDS-Movement, transparency and impartiality are not just values; they are the foundation of everything we do. As an international change agency dedicated to catalysing socio-economic and environmental transformation, our goal is to empower destinations to thrive on their regenerative journeys.

Upholding Transparency in Destination Assessments

Central to our mission is the GDS-Index, a trusted performance improvement programme that evaluates and accelerates destination sustainability. Every GDS-Index assessment is conducted with a commitment to objectivity. Over four months, destinations are guided through a meticulous process:

• Assessments: Each destination is assigned an assessor to conduct two rounds of evaluations.
• Rigorous Quality Control: Data is cross-checked and verified, ensuring accuracy and fairness.
• Actionable Insights: Assessments culminate in a comprehensive evaluation, offering destinations strategic guidance while contributing to global trends and insights.

Visit our Transparency and Impartiality section in our FAQs for more information.

Supporting Destination Management Organisations

Beyond assessments, the GDS-Movement provides tailored support to Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). This includes:

• Defining sustainability visions and strategies.
• Building capacity for impactful action.
• Engaging stakeholders effectively.
• Communicating sustainability efforts transparently and truthfully.

Our collaborative approach ensures that DMOs are equipped to make informed decisions, inspire their stakeholders, and lead with integrity.

Continual Improvement Through Collaboration

The GDS-Index methodology and criteria undergo a robust annual review. This process involves:

• Feedback from the Technical Advisory Committee and participating destinations.
• Insights from industry experts and changemakers.
• Refinements that keep our criteria future-fit and aligned with global needs.

By openly publishing our methodology and criteria each year, we support both industry innovation and academic research, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Setting the Standard for Impartiality

Through these practices, the GDS-Movement ensures high standards of transparency and impartiality, building trust with destinations and industry peers alike. Our copyrighted criteria are a benchmark for sustainability, available for adaptation and benchmarking through written permission.

Join Us on the Journey

The GDS-Movement is a global community committed to building a regenerative future. With integrity and a shared vision, we work to navigate the challenges of sustainability.

To learn more or explore how our approach could apply to your sector, contact us at info@gds.earth