Helsinki – September 23, 2026 -- Helsinki has ranked first on the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index for the third consecutive year, with results published Wednesday, September 23, 2026, scoring 93% across more than 70 sustainability indicators.
Helsinki scores 93% while over 100 global cities compete on sustainability metrics
The GDS Index evaluates tourist destinations across four categories: environmental performance, supply chains, destination management and social sustainability. More than 100 cities committed to sustainability were assessed in this year's comparison, and Helsinki again topped the ranking.
"Securing the top position for the third consecutive year demonstrates that sustainability is not a one-off achievement but a long-term strategic commitment," said Nina Vesterinen, Director of Tourism, City of Helsinki.
98% of large Helsinki hotels hold environmental certification versus 10% European average
Among hotels with more than 50 rooms, 98% in Helsinki carry environmental certification, compared with a European average of just 10%. Vesterinen attributed the result to cooperation between the city, tourism and event businesses, and numerous partners, alongside a rising number of environmentally certified companies and cleaner district heating and electricity production.
EU's EmpCo Directive raises verification bar for sustainability marketing claims
The index results landed as the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo) took effect, banning unsubstantiated sustainability claims such as "green" or "eco-friendly" unless backed by independently verifiable data. Vesterinen said the GDS Index ranking provides third-party evidence that Helsinki's sustainability claims meet this new evidentiary threshold, positioning the city ahead of destinations and businesses now scrambling to document their own claims.
City forms 'Sustainability Leaders' working group under Helsinki Makers network
Despite the top ranking, Helsinki has launched further initiatives, including a 'Sustainability Leaders' working group under the Helsinki Makers network to activate local leaders around sustainability-focused activities citywide. The move aligns with Helsinki's new tourism and events development program, which targets year-round destination availability and longer tourist stays through sustainability-driven practices.
Vesterinen acknowledged remaining gaps, citing the climate impact of international arrivals by boat and air as an area the city is addressing by targeting more visitors from Finland and neighboring European regions.