As the first major city to earn the prestigious 'Green Destinations Sustainability Certificate', Helsinki has strengthened its goal of becoming the world's most sustainable travel destination.

Helsinki has become the first city with more than half a million residents to receive the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's (GSTC) Green Destinations certificate, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.

The certification, awarded on March 4, 2025, meets the GSTC's strictest criteria for sustainable travel destinations.

"This is a major achievement. It demonstrates Helsinki's exceptionally high commitment to promoting sustainability in all its areas," says tourism director Nina Vesterinen from the City of Helsinki.

The GSTC certification process evaluates more than 280 criteria covering environmental, cultural, social and economic sustainability, as well as sustainable governance.

Created in 2007, these standards were developed in collaboration with several international organisations including the United Nations Environment Programme, the UN Foundation, the UN Tourism Organisation and the Rainforest Alliance.

This latest achievement aligns with Helsinki's City Strategy, which sets out the goal of becoming the world's most sustainable travel destination. The city recently reached the top position in the Global Destination Sustainability Index in autumn 2024, putting it closer to achieving this ambitious target.

"Finland has been selected as the happiest country in the world for seven consecutive years. Its capital Helsinki has been a pioneer in sustainable urban development for years, as evidenced by several top positions in various sustainability indices. Helsinki may have the best global foundation for sustainable tourism, but the entire travel industry also deserves a big thank you for their role in achieving this," Vesterinen says.

The certification highlights the city-wide commitment to sustainable practices, with most hotel rooms in Helsinki being environmentally certified. Travel attractions, meeting and congress facilities, and other tourism operators in the city have also demonstrated leadership in sustainable tourism investments.

The achievement comes as the European Union prepares to tighten legislation on environmental claims to prevent misleading greenwashing. "For that very reason, Helsinki makes every effort to prove the veracity of its sustainability work. This is why the Global Destination Sustainability Index and Green Destinations certificate are important," explains Vesterinen.

The certification further solidifies Helsinki's reputation as a global leader in sustainable urban tourism development.

by Olivia Palamountain | GLOBETRENDER