Merging environmental management with the development of a just and equitable society helps to create sustainable cities. This includes promoting harmonious living between tourists and locals, as well as balancing traditional values with modern developments.
According to the Destination Sustainability Index (DSI) the 9 capitals across Europe were analysed, which are:
- Amsterdam
- Berlin
- Copenhagen
- Dublin
- London
- Madrid
- Paris
- Rome
- Vienna
This proprietary index offers a comprehensive understanding of destination sustainability, taking into consideration various perspectives, including the effects of tourism on the destination.
Both Data Appeal’s proprietary data and third-party data, which encompasses satellite environmental monitoring data, play a role in the calculation of the index. We rely on the European Commission’s European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) as our benchmark; it stands as the most renowned and frequently referenced methodology for assessing tourism sustainability at the destination level.
The definition of a sustainable city is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN in 2015, which now serve as a cornerstone for analysing sustainability, even within the tourism sector.
This means that sustainable cities should not only safeguard the environment, but also be inclusive, safe and adaptable. Although cities serve as hubs for cultural exchange and progress, they are also vulnerable to significant social, economic, and environmental disparities. According to the UN, 828 million people live in slums. Cities occupy only 3% of the earth’s surface, but are responsible for up to 80% of energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions.
Τhe main findings of analysis are that the overall scores of all cities surveyed ranged from 65/100 to 77/100, following below:
- Madrid achieved the highest overall score of 77/100
- Rome is the capital city with the highest score in the Social-Cultural Pillar 79/100
- Paris stands out as the leading destination in effectively managing tourist influx, with a score of 85/100
- Vienna achieves the highest score in Governance & Destination Management 91/100
Institutions and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) have multiple options to enhance the sustainability of a destination. These include improving accessibility in public spaces, providing incentives for using public and electric vehicles, and launching initiatives to assist elderly and economically disadvantaged families.
The UN Agenda 2030 sets ambitious goals, for example:
- Ensure access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services for all and regenerate slums
- Ensure access for all to a safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport system
- Reduce the negative per-capita environmental impact of cities, paying particular attention to air quality and the management of municipal and other waste.
But first, cities must become aware of their own performance and define their current level of sustainability.
