Guadalajara has become the first destination in Latin America to join GDS-Index Lite, the entry-level sustainability programme from GDS-Movement for destinations looking to measure and improve their performance.
The programme gives destinations a structured assessment of their sustainability progress, identifying strengths, gaps and priority actions. It is part of the wider GDS-Index framework, which has supported more than 150 destinations through data-led benchmarking aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The move builds on earlier collaboration between the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Bureau and GDS-Movement, including work on the sustainability and legacy strategy for Intermoda, Latin America’s largest fashion business exhibition.
Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement, said Guadalajara had shown “a clear vision and a firm commitment” to transforming its tourism and meetings industry towards a more responsible and people-centred model.
Gustavo Staufert Buclón, General Director of the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Bureau, said the city’s inclusion would help raise sustainability standards, strengthen global competitiveness and generate positive impact for the local community.