The 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has recognised Kraków as one of the Top 3 Most Improved Destinations worldwide, placing the city at 53rd position out of 151 destinations.
Krakow as a Polish leader
With a score of 62.2%, Kraków achieved an impressive 12.9% increase compared with 2024, when it ranked 72nd. This performance demonstrates the city’s determination to strengthen its sustainability credentials.
The GDS-Index assesses destinations against 76 indicators across four areas – destination management, suppliers, society and environment – providing one of the most comprehensive benchmarks for regenerative tourism and the events industry.
“This recognition shows that Kraków is becoming a rising leader in sustainable tourism and events. The city is ready to embrace the challenge of making its meetings and events industry even greener,” noted local representatives.
Sustainable MICE destinations in Poland
Kraków’s achievement reflects a broader trend across Poland. Alongside Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Szczecin also featured in this year’s GDS-Index results, confirming the growing commitment of Polish destinations to responsible tourism and MICE development.
Special congratulations go to Szczecin, which will host the prestigious GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026. Taking place from 16–18 June 2026, this will be the first time the event is held in Poland, gathering international leaders to co-create solutions for regenerative tourism and sustainable events.
Certifications and green future
While Kraków’s progress is commendable, the results also underline the importance of accelerating sustainability certifications across Poland’s meetings and events sector – from venues and hotels to airports, attractions, and PCO/DMC companies. These steps will be key to strengthening Poland’s global position as a responsible and future-ready MICE destination.
Read also:
