The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks, and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations.
The GDS-Index is aligned with international standards; UN SDGs, GSTC Destination Criteria, UNWTO.
Click here to read more about the benchmarking methodology including data collection and verification, the four benchmarking categories, governance and criteria development and performance scoring methods.
This page highlights each destinations sustainability journey and will showcase their journey.
The 2024 GDS-Index comprises 77 indicators across four categories. Here is the total score and the score for the four categories for this destination.
Environmental
Social
Supplier
Destination Management Organisation
Environmental
Includes a city's performance pertaining to its policies and infrastructure, such as climate change commitment, carbon emissions, renewable energies, resource and water management, public transport, and air pollution levels.
Social
Indicates the performance of the city against indicators of SDG integration, Corruption, Personal Safety, Access to Information and Communications, Health and Wellness, and Inclusivity, using external sources such as the Social Progress Imperative Index, and Corruption Perceptions Index.
Supplier
Addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings' industry supply chain, including airports, events agencies, hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Destination Management Organisation
Indicates the sustainability commitment, including questions pertaining to maturity of a destination's sustainability and regeneration strategy, leadership, communication of sustainability initiatives (to support client planners), and the accuracy of their reporting on sustainability operations.
Lyon got the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 award granted by the European Union. Bestowed for the very first time by the European Union, this competition honours this attractive, dynamic and accessible city's efforts to boost smart tourism thanks to trailblazing accomplishments in matter of digital innovations, environmental friendliness and the quality of life of its residents. The Lyon Metropole, all those involved in the tourist sector, including the inhabitants are committed to develop sustainable tourism to Lyon!
Does ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Lyon have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions report on its sustainability performance?
Due to its particular topography at the confluence of 2 rivers and broadsided by 2 hills, Lyon has always been concerned by nature. Since 1992 Lyon has been a pioneer in social action to preserve the environment with the launching of one of the 1rst Ecological Chart. In 2005, Lyon is the first city in France to obtain the ISO 14001 standard to reward its sustainable environmental management. The Agenda 21 followed, oriented on social cohesion together with economic development, fight against Greenhouse effects, and amelioration of the living environment of the inhabitants. Then, the Territorial Climate Energy Plan (PCET) has been adopted in 2007 and revised in 2019. Lyon was the first French city to launch a city-size bicycle service. Today, half of the bicycle park is electric and the city has self-service electric vehicle stations, electric buses and tramways. 75% of the travels by bus and underground network are realized on electrical mode generating only 3% of the atmospheric pollution. In 2021, Lyon Airports also obtained the ISO 14001 for its environmental performance. Lyon got the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019, award granted by the European Union, a title shared with Helsinki.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Lyon Metropole and ONLYLYON Tourism have decided to join forces with the tourism professionals to develop more responsible tourism. Aware of the visitors’ new expectations, the professionals are determined to look ahead, innovate and to engage in sustainable initiatives. In 2024, ONLYLYON Tourism has launched two support programs to help professionals in their commitment to more sustainable and accessible tourism. They can also count on the support of the Metropole and the local associations.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
In December 2017, Lyon was awarded the Access City Award by the European Commission, the 1st Prize for 2018 among the most accessible cities, for putting accessibility at the heart of urban life. Lyon ensures disabled people the viability to move around and travel in total autonomy and safety on public transport and in public spaces. The city is also really concerned about the quality of life of its inhabitants and the hospitality of its visitors. In 2023, ONLYLYON Tourism has created a citizen engagement initiative to involve inhabitants in tourism.
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world. Our mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.
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