Congratulations to Co. Kerry - which as a region continues to make an impact on the global sustainability stage - and out of 100 destinations benchmarked, including 42 new participants in the 2023 Global Destination Sustainability Index, Kerry ranks 19th overall, remaining in the top 20 benchmarked destinations globally, and in 1st place for Ireland.
In the 2023 ranking, Kerry's results are impressive, testament to the sustainability ambitions of the community of tourism suppliers, event professionals and industry partners mirroring those of Kerry's valued clients and partners on a global stage:
- Kerry scored 80.6% out of 100
- It is Kerry's fifth consecutive year in Top 20
- It is Kerry's fourth consecutive year as #1 Irish destination on the Index.
The annual submission process is a significant and lengthy undertaking, led by Becky Hargrove, Manager of Kerry Convention Bureau. As part of the GDS Index, Kerry is one of one hundred destinations on a journey to more responsible growth and management of tourism and events to increase positive environmental impact, foster community engagement, safeguard cultural authenticity, and support economic prosperity.
COLLABORATIVE PROCESS
The range of committed industry partners and stakeholders involved in the annual submission process is extensive, from Breffní Ingerton, Chair of the Kerry Convention Bureau and the KCB board, Sam Johnston and colleagues at Fáilte Ireland, Pat O'Leary, Chair of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and colleagues including the KTIF Sustainable Tourism Group led by Grainne Kelliher; Helen O'Connor-Barry and team at Kerry County Council, Mary Rose Stafford and team at Munster Technological University.
BUSINESS TOURISM
The results also demonstrate that those at supplier and buyer level are invested in holding Future Focused Events that deliver on impact as well as legacy for the community in which they are held. Kerry's business tourism is thriving, with leading worldwide clients and companies returning to the region year on year for meetings, conferences, incentive travel and events. Companies are also choosing Kerry for space to grow or a place to get started, and stand to benefit from a truly connected and supportive community that knows what it takes to to build lasting success - Kerry is truly the place to not only as a destination but a superb place for entrepreneurs to dream and achieve. Visit our section on investing in Kerry for more information.
GDS Movement - 2023 Insights
In the following video, 'Feeling the Pulse', Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker, GDS-Movement, reviews the assessment criteria for the index and outlines some of the key data and trends emerging from the 2023 index:
