Lyon has become the latest city to join the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), a scheme aimed at improving the environmental credentials of meetings destinations.
Convention bureau Only Lyon is the 48th city partner to sign up to the index, which ranks destinations on how well they are meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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Guy Bigwood[/caption]
Guy Bigwood, managing director GDS-Index, said: “Over the last few years we have seen an increasing focus from the French meetings industry towards sustainability. Lyon is exemplary of this pioneering spirit and leadership, and we are delighted to have the City of Lights as the second French destination in our expanding platform.”
Lyon is not only internationally recognized for its rich history, gastronomy and picturesque beauty, it is also the 2019 European Smart Tourism Capital. This EU award recognises outstanding achievements by European tourism destinations in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity.
Valérie Ducaud, Lyon Convention Bureau manager, said: “Lyon is very happy to join the GDS Index. Our participation aims to build on our selection as the European Smart Tourism Capital, and accelerate our efforts to boost digital innovation, accessibility and environmental stewardship, and to become an even more sustainable and smart events destination.”
The GDS-Index is a collaborative platform, which aims to:
- Benchmark the sustainability of their destination and their meeting and events industry
- Improve the sustainability strategy of their Convention Bureau and Destination Management Organizations
- Engage and inspire clients to prize destinations with solid event sustainability initiatives
- Share their responsible business initiatives and best practices with their clients, peers and other key stakeholders
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
