The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) has named Solihull as a finalist in this year’s Global Destination Sustainability Awards.
The GDS-Awards celebrate innovative destinations that set new benchmarks for sustainable tourism and events. Solihull has been shortlisted alongside four other international locations for the Most Improved Destination Award.
The award is based on the GDS-Index, a performance improvement programme that evaluates destinations around the world. Places are scored and ranked based on a variety of criteria, including their sustainability commitments, environmental policies, social progress and their management of tourism, business and leisure. The Most Improved Destination Award acknowledges the destination that has achieved the largest increase in its GDS-Index score year-on-year.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, said:
“I am delighted that Solihull has been nominated for the Most Improved Destination Award by the GDS-Movement, an accolade that demonstrates our continued commitment to enhancing Solihull’s sustainable tourism offer and supporting the growth of the borough’s visitor economy. Solihull is the only UK destination to be shortlisted for an award this year, setting a national gold standard for global sustainable tourism.
“Earlier this year, the Council published our Destination Management Plan, which details our plans and key priorities over the next five years to ensure Solihull continues to thrive as a high-quality, sustainable destination with exciting opportunities for leisure, business and culture. This nomination shows that our ambitious tourism strategy is already paying off and will help us promote Solihull’s varied business and leisure offer on an international scale.”
The winners of the 2024 GDS-Awards will be announced on Wednesday 16 October. The Destination Management Plan is available to view on the Council website.