BILBAO CLINCHED THE 33rd SPOT IN THE GDS-INDEX AND RANKED 9th ON THE LIST OF BEST MID-SIZED CITIES IN THE WORLD
Bilbao clinched 33rd spot in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), an international benchmarking programme for sustainable destinations for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events (MICE) industry. Bilbao ranked ninth among top mid-sized cities in the world. Last year, Bilbao reached 42nd place, while this year Bilbao has significantly improved its position in the sector.
The GDS-Index essentially assesses the alignment of cities with the UN 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals comprising 71 indicators. In the case of Bilbao, the improvements implemented by Bilbao Convention Bureau and those of its suppliers integrated in the Bilbao Arima Berdea permanent working commission, have been taken into account.
Led by Bilbao City Council, Bilbao joined this index in 2021 with the aim of improving sustainable development and acknowledging the work of local stakeholders in terms of sustainability, with a view to boost confidence in our city to host events of an international standard. Together with local stakeholders, Bilbao City Council is seeking to increase its competitive advantage in the MICE sector, which saw more than 1300 meetings held per year pre-COVID and is gradually recovering its activity.
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY DESTINATION
The GDS Index, developed in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), IMEX Group, European Cities Marketing (ECM) and MCI Group, is part of the sustainable destinations movement that brings together professionals from the sector to collaborate in creating strategies for destinations to become more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. Topping the list are Gothenburg, Bergen or Copenhagen, cities with a long-standing sustainability background and reputation in terms of MICE activity.
