The awards follow a clear and transparent judging process. There are four award categories: The winners of the Leadership Award and Most Improved Destination Award are determined by the results of the GDS-Index. The Leadership Award is given to the destination with the highest overall GDS-Index score, while the Most Improved Destination Award acknowledges the destination that has achieved the largest increase in its GDS-Index score year-on-year.
The Innovation Award celebrates destinations that showcase creative and effective sustainability initiatives that can scale and be adapted, while the Impact Award, developed in collaboration with #MEET4IMPACT, recognises destinations building lasting, positive legacy through business events. The finalists for these two awards are chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing diverse industries.
You can find the list of finalists in each category at gds.earth/blog.
Guy Bigwood, CEO of the GDS-Movement, commented: “The 2024 GDS-Awards finalists showcase the extraordinary power of regeneration through collective action. It’s inspiring to see how these destinations are transforming their tourism and events sectors to drive positive, lasting change. This year, we’re especially excited to see new destinations from Europe, Asia, and Canada – making a shortlist. Their exceptional projects are a testament to the growing, global commitment to destination sustainability and stewardship, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring examples for others to follow, borrow, and build on.”
The GDS-Awards ceremony is a seminal event that, this year, unites the GDS-Movement, City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), and the host community of Bruges in a celebration of sustainability and regeneration. Winners will be honoured on stage at the ceremony during the 2024 GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference, presented by VisitBruges, CityDNA, ICCA, and GDS-Movement.
