Sustainability has become a defining direction for the global meetings and events industry. Poland is increasingly visible on the European map as a country that not only talks about responsible practices but also implements them in measurable ways. Over the past few years, four Polish cities – Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Szczecin – have joined the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), confirming a nationwide commitment to sustainable destination management within the MICE sector.
GDS-Index
Four Polish cities – Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Szczecin joined the prestigious Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), confirming a nationwide commitment to sustainable destination management within the MICE sector.
- Kraków was the first Polish city to enter the GDS-Index and continues to set an example for others. In 2025, it ranked 53rd globally and was recognised among the Top 3 Most Improved Destinations, achieving a 12.9% increase in its overall score. The city’s strategy integrates sustainability into every aspect of its event ecosystem – from low-emission transport and responsible venue management to collaboration with local suppliers and community engagement. Its convention bureau actively promotes certified hotels and encourages organisers to apply zero-waste principles across their events.
- Gdańsk, which joined the GDS-Index in 2024, climbed 15 positions in the 2025 edition and continues to lead the way in environmental policy and destination governance. Its initiatives include the “Go Green with TerGo” programme – a local partnership providing event planners with practical tools to measure and reduce carbon emissions.
- Wrocław, debuting in the index in 2025 with a score of 44%, has already identified clear priorities for improvement. The city’s “Green Events Guidelines” offer organisers practical advice on reducing environmental impact, while flagship venues such as the Centennial Hall in Wrocław (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the eco-themed Hydropolis Centre promote responsible event operations and visitor education.
- Szczecin, which also joined the GDS-Index in 2025, represents an inspiring example of collaboration between local authorities, venues and the convention bureau.
Sustainable Venues and Certified Hotels
Across Poland, the number of properties holding international eco-certifications such as Green Key and BREEAM continues to grow. These certificates recognise tangible achievements: energy-efficient design, responsible waste management, reduced water consumption, elimination of single-use plastics and partnerships with local suppliers.
In Kraków alone, more than 20 hotels have already obtained the Green Key certificate, while new developments across the country increasingly pursue BREEAM accreditation at the design stage.
Education as the Foundation for Change
An important step in strengthening sustainability competencies across the industry is the launch of the Destination Poland Green Academy – a nationwide educational initiative created by the Poland Convention Bureau (PTO) in partnership with SITE Poland. The project aims to equip professionals working in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions with practical tools and knowledge to design events that meet ESG standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme features a series of regional workshops in cities such as Bydgoszcz, Kielce, Łódź, Katowice, Lublin and Poznań. Each session focuses on local challenges and opportunities, bringing together representatives of convention bureaux, hotels, DMCs and event agencies. Workshops are led by SITE Poland experts and are based on the Manifesto of Responsible Incentive Travel – a legacy of the Responsible Incentive Travel Day conference.
Additional components include the “Green Talks” interview series and an e-book presenting examples of best practice from all Polish regions.
A Source of Pride
A milestone in Poland’s sustainable journey will come in 2026, when Szczecin becomes the first city in the country to host the GDS-Forum a prestigious global event dedicated to regenerative tourism and sustainability. Scheduled for 16–18 June 2026, the forum will bring together destination leaders, MICE professionals and changemakers from around the world to co-create innovative approaches to positive impact and responsible tourism.
This landmark event underscores Poland’s growing reputation as a modern, open and sustainability-driven destination – one that not only follows global trends but actively helps shape the future of meetings and events.
