Sydney’s return to top 10 status in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index has been celebrated by key industry bodies as a “significant step” for the city’s visitor economy.
The index, released in October, recognises destinations with “a strong commitment to sustainable tourism by effectively balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being”.
In tenth place, the NSW capital was the only Australian city to make it into the top 10. Melbourne and Brisbane both ranked within the top 40.
The top 10 also featured Helsinki in first place, with Gothenburg and Copenhagen in second and third respectively. They were followed by Bergen, Aarhus, Bordeaux, Singapore, Oslo and Belfast.
ICC Sydney CEO Adam Mather-Brown said the accolade highlights the city’s sustainability strengths and ICC Sydney’s role in achieving its global reputation.
“At ICC Sydney, our mission is to make a difference, and our approach to corporate social responsibility includes efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and provide opportunities for social impact by our organisation and in partnership with our clients,” he said.
“Through our promise to be More Than A Venue, we attract millions of people from across the globe to participate at conferences, exhibitions or entertainment events at ICC Sydney and this accolade is testament to our commitment to shaping a dynamic and sustainable destination in Sydney—for delegates to experience at our venue and beyond.”
Meanwhile, City of Sydney, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Fitzpatrick attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of the members of the Sustainable Destination Partnership.
“From Sydney’s major convention centre, ICC Sydney, to accommodation, attractions, and more—every partner is to be commended for their contribution in highlighting and elevating Sydney’s unique ability to support a sustainable visitor economy,” he said.
