On 20 March 2025, Gdańsk played host to a landmark workshop titled “Regenerating Polish Destinations: Sustainable Tourism in Action”, focusing on the future of sustainable destination development. Organised by the Gdańsk Convention Bureau in collaboration with the Poland Convention Bureau (a division of the Polish Tourism Organisation), the event brought together representatives from Polish convention bureaux, regional and local tourism organisations, as well as key MICE industry stakeholders.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Development – Knowledge, Collaboration, Action
The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainability in tourism, foster peer-to-peer exchange, and collectively shape a roadmap of practical actions for 2025. Attendees included convention bureau professionals from across Poland, representatives of local tourism bodies, and prominent voices from the MICE sector.
Far more than a theoretical session, the workshop had a distinctly hands-on focus. Delegates took part in collaborative exercises and structured discussions, producing a set of actionable ideas tailored to the realities of their respective cities and regions.
GDS-Movement Experts – Global Insights, Real-World Strategies
The sessions were led by two internationally recognised experts from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement):
- Janie Neumann, a seasoned sustainability professional with over two decades of experience in destination development. Formerly leading climate neutrality initiatives at VisitScotland, she played a pivotal role in drafting the Glasgow Declaration and has advised hundreds of organisations across the UK, New Zealand, and Canada on green certification.
- Marta Mills, a consultant and researcher engaged in international projects related to tourism and climate change. With collaborations including the World Bank, GIZ, and UK Aid, she is also co-founder of the Transcaucasian Trail and brings deep expertise in strategy and policy development for sustainable tourism.
Thanks to their insights, participants gained access to global best practices and practical tools to implement sustainability principles in destination marketing, operational frameworks, and event planning.
GDS-Index – Measuring Progress, Elevating International Standing
A key component of the programme was the GDS-Index – the globally recognised benchmarking system evaluating cities’ sustainability performance. Delegates explored the index’s methodology, learnt how to measure and report green initiatives effectively, and discussed how to convert data into strategic growth and international positioning.
The session underscored the GDS-Index’s role in shaping cities’ reputations as responsible, forward-thinking destinations – not only appealing to leisure visitors but also to international event planners, congress organisers, and corporate clients.
Growing Polish Participation in GDS-Movement
The event also marked a significant moment for Poland’s engagement with the GDS-Movement. Szczecin and Wrocław were officially welcomed into the network, joining trailblazer Kraków and the dynamically evolving Gdańsk.
This expanding network of Polish cities forms the foundation for a robust national collaboration. A preliminary 2025 cooperation plan was drafted during the workshop, outlining joint initiatives such as future meet-ups, sharing best practices, and collective promotional efforts aligned with sustainable development goals.
100cznia – A Venue Steeped in History and Innovation
Fittingly, the event was held at 100cznia – a creative, post-industrial venue located on the grounds of the former Gdańsk Shipyard. This unique space blends historical heritage with modern design, providing an inspiring backdrop for idea exchange, innovation, and collaborative planning.
A Unified Vision for the Future of Tourism
The “Regenerating Polish Destinations” workshop showcased the readiness of Polish cities to embrace transformation and integrate sustainable practices into the core of their tourism strategies. Through partnerships with global organisations like GDS-Movement and the continued support of the Polish Tourism Organisation, Poland is well-positioned to develop competitive, responsible, and future-focused destinations.
Text and photos: Jarosław Marciuk #GDSIndex #GDSMovement #SustainableTourism #PolandCVB
