Finland’s Helsinki Tops GDSI as World’s Most Sustainable Destination in 2025, Boosting United Airlines, Finnair, and Radisson Blu’s Global Appeal – Travel And Tour World

Report on Helsinki’s Sustainable Tourism Leadership and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Helsinki, Finland, has been designated the world’s most sustainable tourist destination for 2025 by the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), achieving a score of 94%. This recognition underscores the city’s comprehensive strategy for integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability, directly aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The city’s success serves as a model for responsible tourism, influencing sustainability practices within the global aviation and hospitality industries. This report analyzes Helsinki’s initiatives and the contributions of corporate partners like Finnair, United Airlines, and Radisson Blu in advancing the SDGs.

Helsinki’s Framework for Sustainable Urban Development (SDG 11 & SDG 13)

Performance in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI)

Helsinki’s top ranking in the 2025 GDSI is based on an evaluation of over 70 criteria that reflect a holistic approach to sustainability. This achievement is a direct measure of the city’s progress toward creating a resilient and sustainable urban environment.

• Overall Score: 94%
• Key Assessment Areas: Environmental performance, social sustainability, supplier sustainability, and destination management.

Commitment to Climate Action (SDG 13)

The city has established ambitious targets to combat climate change, demonstrating a clear commitment to SDG 13.

1. Carbon Neutrality Goal: To be achieved by 2030.
2. Interim Emissions Reduction: A target of 30% reduction by 2025.
3. Long-Term Vision: To become carbon negative by 2040.

Infrastructure for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

Helsinki’s urban planning prioritizes green infrastructure and sustainable living, which are central to SDG 11.

• Green Transportation: An extensive and efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and ferries, complemented by city-wide bike-sharing systems.
• Urban Green Spaces: Over 200 parks provide ample space for recreation and support local biodiversity.
• Local Economy: Promotion of locally sourced food and products strengthens community resilience and supports sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

Corporate Sector Contributions to Global Goals

Aviation Sector: Advancing Innovation and Climate Action (SDG 9 & SDG 13)

Leading airlines are aligning their operations with Helsinki’s sustainability ethos, contributing to industry innovation and climate action.

Finnair

• Climate Targets: A commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 34.5% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2033.
• Fleet Modernization (SDG 9): An investment of 3.5 to 4.0 billion euros in newer, fuel-efficient aircraft like the A350 to reduce operational emissions.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Collaboration with Neste to expand the use of SAF, a key strategy for decarbonizing air travel. This partnership exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

United Airlines

• Eco-Efficient Fleet: Utilization of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features advanced environmental technology, for new routes to Helsinki.
• Carbon Offsetting: Offers a passenger carbon offset program that funds emission reduction projects, directly engaging travelers in climate action (SDG 13).
• Market Expansion: New routes from North America increase access to a leading sustainable destination, promoting the global growth of eco-conscious travel.

Hospitality Sector: Promoting Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

The accommodation sector in Helsinki is actively participating in the city’s sustainability goals, with Radisson Blu demonstrating leadership in responsible practices.

Radisson Blu

• Sustainability Certifications: Hotels have obtained third-party certifications such as Green Key, verifying their commitment to high environmental standards.
• Waste Reduction: Initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and implement comprehensive waste management systems.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Prioritizing locally sourced and organic food to support local producers and reduce the carbon footprint of its supply chain.
• Energy and Resource Efficiency: Implementation of energy-efficient systems and sustainable resource management in hotel operations, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Guide to Sustainable Tourism in Helsinki

Sustainable Attractions and Activities

Helsinki offers a range of attractions that allow tourists to experience the city’s culture and nature responsibly.

1. Suomenlinna Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage site (contributing to SDG 11.4) accessible via a ferry service that utilizes renewable energy.
2. Löyly Sauna: A modern public sauna constructed with green building practices and energy-efficient systems.
3. Helsinki’s Parks: Extensive green spaces that encourage low-impact activities such as hiking and cycling.

Responsible Dining and Shopping (SDG 12)

The city’s culinary and retail scenes reflect a strong commitment to responsible consumption.

• Nolla Restaurant: A dining establishment operating on a zero-waste philosophy, sourcing all ingredients locally and sustainably.
• Stockmann’s Department Store: Features sustainable fashion brands and operates with eco-efficient systems.

Recommendations for Eco-Conscious Travelers

• Choose Sustainable Transport: Opt for direct flights and participate in airline carbon offset programs. Utilize Helsinki’s public transportation network for local travel.
• Select Green Accommodations: Stay at hotels certified with eco-labels like Green Key or EarthCheck.
• Support the Local Economy: Purchase locally made products and dine at restaurants that prioritize sustainable and local ingredients.

1. SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article focuses on sustainable tourism, which is a key driver of economic growth. Helsinki’s recognition as the top sustainable destination is presented as a positive economic factor, boosting the appeal of airlines like United Airlines and Finnair, and hospitality chains like Radisson Blu. This promotes a form of tourism that creates jobs and supports the local economy in a sustainable manner.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article highlights innovations in sustainable infrastructure and industry. This includes Finnair’s investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft (A350) and United Airlines’ use of the 787 Dreamliner. It also covers the development and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through partnerships, and the creation of green infrastructure in Helsinki, such as an efficient public transport system and eco-friendly buildings like the Löyly Sauna.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• This is a central theme, as the article revolves around Helsinki’s success as a sustainable city. It details the city’s comprehensive approach, including its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, the promotion of green transportation, the existence of over 200 parks, and the protection of cultural heritage sites like the Suomenlinna Fortress.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article describes multiple examples of responsible consumption and production within Helsinki’s tourism sector. This includes restaurants with a “zero-waste philosophy” (Nolla), the emphasis on locally sourced and organic food, the reduction of single-use plastics by hotels, and the promotion of sustainable fashion brands. It also mentions third-party certifications like Green Key, which guide consumers toward responsible choices.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Climate action is a core issue discussed. The article explicitly mentions Helsinki’s climate targets, such as a “30% emissions reduction by 2025” and becoming “carbon neutral by 2030.” It also details the climate strategies of corporations, like Finnair’s commitment to “net-zero emissions by 2050” and the carbon offset programs offered by United Airlines.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article implicitly and explicitly points to partnerships. The success of Helsinki’s sustainable tourism is a result of collaboration between the city’s management, private sector companies (airlines, hotels), and specialized providers. The partnership between Finnair and Neste for SAF supply, and the mutual efforts between Finnair and Helsinki Airport to reduce the carbon footprint, are specific examples of public-private partnerships aimed at achieving sustainability goals.

2. Specific Targets Identified

Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   • The article is a case study of Helsinki successfully implementing policies for sustainable tourism. It highlights how this strategy boosts its global appeal, thereby supporting jobs in the airline and hospitality industries and promoting local culture through dining and attractions.

Under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

1. Target 9.4: “By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.”
   • This target is reflected in Finnair’s plan to invest “3.5 to 4.0 billion euros to modernize air fleet operational efficiencies by acquiring more fuel-efficient, newer aircraft” and its integration of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). United Airlines’ use of the fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner also aligns with this target.

Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
   • The promotion of the Suomenlinna Fortress, a “UNESCO World Heritage site,” as a sustainable attraction directly relates to this target.
2. Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.”
   • Helsinki’s initiatives to “cut down on carbon emissions,” its goal to be “carbon neutral by 2030,” and the zero-waste philosophy of restaurants like Nolla are direct actions towards this target.

Under SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

1. Target 12.5: “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.”
   • This is exemplified by the restaurant Nolla, known for its “zero-waste philosophy,” and Radisson Blu’s initiatives in “waste reduction, and reduction of single use plastics.”
2. Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   • The article is centered around the “Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI),” which is a direct example of a tool used to monitor and rank cities on their sustainable tourism performance.

Under SDG 13: Climate Action

1. Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.”
   • Helsinki’s city-level strategy, with clear targets like becoming “carbon neutral by 2030” and achieving a “30% emissions reduction by 2025,” demonstrates the integration of climate measures into its planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

Indicators for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

• Investment in fleet modernization: Finnair has set aside “3.5 to 4.0 billion euros” to acquire more fuel-efficient aircraft, serving as a financial indicator of its commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
• Adoption of clean fuels: The “integration” and “expanded use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)” by Finnair is a key performance indicator for the adoption of clean technologies.

Indicators for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

• Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets: Helsinki’s specific goals of a “30% emissions reduction by 2025” and achieving “carbon neutrality by 2030” are quantifiable indicators of progress.

Indicators for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

• Sustainability Index Score: Helsinki’s “94% score” on the “Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI)” is a direct, composite indicator used to measure its performance in sustainable destination management.
• Third-party certifications: The mention of hotels obtaining certifications like “Green Key” and “EarthCheck” serves as an indicator of adherence to established sustainability standards in the hospitality sector.

Indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action)

• Corporate emission reduction targets: Finnair’s commitment to a “34.5% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2033” and its target to achieve “net-zero emissions by 2050” are clear, long-term indicators of climate action.
• Availability of carbon offset programs: The article mentions that both Finnair and United Airlines offer “carbon offset programs,” which can be measured by passenger participation and the amount of emissions offset.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com