For the sixth consecutive year, Kerry has retained its place in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) Top 20 and maintained its #19 ranking out of 99 international destinations. This result once again secures Kerry’s position as the #1 Irish destination as per the Index.

The GDS-Index measures, benchmarks, and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of destination management organisations, municipal authorities, and their tourism supply chains from around the globe.

Originally established to help destinations, event planners and business events suppliers to drive and recognise sustainable practices in the business events industry, it’s remit now also encompasses leisure tourism and this year, the criteria expanded to include regenerative tourism, circular economy practices and enhanced climate action.

Kerry first participated in the Index in 2018, with Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) taking the lead on the annual submission. Through the collaborative efforts of KCB with Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF), Kerry County Council (KCC), Fáilte Ireland (FI) and a wide range of tourism industry partners, this year’s result is testament to County Kerry’s
commitment to sustainable tourism management, which sees stakeholders united in our vision for the future of sustainability woven into the fabric of our distinct landscape, culture and heritage.

This year, 99 destinations were benchmarked, including ten new entrants. Scoring 77.65% out of a possible 100%, Kerry’s sustainability performance was evaluated based on the county’s environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability performance, industry supplier support as well as KCB and KTIF’ strategies and initiatives.

The 2024 submission referenced goals and achievements set out in the Kerry County Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2022-2025, an ambitious framework designed to provide a robust platform from which the county can accelerate performance and place sustainability at the heart of its tourism recovery and growth plans. 

It also included updates on initiatives from around the county including a Festivals and Events Charter by Dingle Peninsula Tourism Authority and Quest Events, the Killarney Coffee Cups project, Blue Way for South Kerry Feasibility Study, Dingle Peninsula Western Mass Economic Development & Tourism Summit presentation and the Maherees Creative Coastal Resilience project.

Along with Kerry, all of Ireland’s key business event destinations —Dublin, Cork, Clare, Galway and Limerick, along with Belfast from a Northern Ireland perspective are now ranking in the Top 40. According to the GDS Index, the Top 40 destinations demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism by effectively balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Kerry Convention Bureau Manager, Becky Hargrove said “In a year which saw a significant expansion of the criteria, and in a competitive field that is dominated by large cities, a metropolis and a megacity, we are so proud that Kerry is once again recognised as the #1 Irish Destination as per the Global Destination Sustainability Index, and that we have maintained both our #19 ranking and place in the Top 20.

“Our ranking demonstrates that the sustainability ambitions of our community of tourism suppliers, event professionals and industry partners mirror those of our valued clients and partners on a global stage.”

“We are also thrilled that all of our fellow Convention Bureaux of Ireland colleagues are now in the Top 40 of this important global index, and that with the support of Fáilte Ireland, our collective commitment to regenerative destination management is putting Ireland on the map as a green business events destination of choice, ranked alongside key business event destinations across the world”.

Spearheaded by KCB and supported by Fáilte Ireland, Kerry first participated in the GDS Index in 2018 and has consistently ranked in the Top 20 since 2019.

Becky said “We would like to thank both Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council for their ongoing support of Kerry Convention Bureau and our annual participation in the GDS Index. Working closely with Failte Ireland and our fellow Convention Bureaux of Ireland colleagues, we are committed to being champions of Sustainability, supporting event planners to host green events and taking proactive steps to ensure that business events held in Ireland result in positive social and environmental impacts that are both sustainable and leave a legacy”.

Speaking on behalf of Fáilte Ireland, Sam Johnston, Manager Convention Bureaux of Ireland said “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to see a continued strong performance from Kerry, through its convention bureau, in the GDSI. Six consecutive years in the top 20 is a wonderful achievement and demonstrates the strong commitment and actions of the industry suppliers in the region, further underpinned by the local authority. 

To have Kerry joined in this year’s Top 40 by Ireland’s other regional convention bureaux is testament to the wider business events industry.  This recognition aligns with Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events Climate Action Plan which aims to strengthen the sustainability credentials of the Ireland’s business events sector. Initiatives in the plan include a Carbon Calculator for business events and a Green Events toolkit as well as efforts to help tourism businesses operators reduce their carbon footprint”

Chairman of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Pat O’Leary said “The result of the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS) evaluation has for the 6th consecutive year recognised Kerry’s position as the #1 Irish destination on the Index and 19th position Internationally.  This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the power of the tourism collective throughout the county. It highlights the innovation in sustainable tourism which is ongoing in the Kerry and copper fastens the sustainable image of our natural heritage.

He added “The annual submission is spearheaded by KCB and KTIF’s sustainability committee whose commitment and tenacity ensured that Kerry saw off severe competition from neighbouring counties. The support and input received from all contributors including. 

Kerry County Council, Kerry Airport, MTU, non-profit organisations, community groups, public and private sector organisations and businesses is appreciated”.

In closing, Pat said “Congratulations and a sincere thank you to both KCB and all those involved, and we look forward to continuing on our sustainable journey ensuring that Kerry remains the No.1 tourism destination in Ireland “

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald said “Kerry County Council is delighted that Kerry as a destination has retained its position of 19th on the Global Sustainability Index 2024, reflecting our commitment to protecting our natural heritage while fostering a vibrant community. A special thank you to the Kerry Convention Bureau as project lead and for their invaluable support in this achievement. Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.” –