Kerry Rises to #12 on Global Destination Sustainability Index

Oct. 03, 2025

Retaining #1 Irish Spot

For the seventh consecutive year, Kerry has secured a place in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) Top 20, moving up from #19 to #12 out of 81 international destinations benchmarked. This achievement reaffirms Kerry’s position as the #1 Irish destination in the Index.

☘️ Scored 82.8% out of 100
☘️ 6.63% increase on 2024 score
☘️ Achieved #1 position globally in population category
☘️ Seventh consecutive year in Top 20
☘️ Retained position as #1 Irish destination

The GDS-Index is a leading global programme for improving sustainability in urban tourism and events. Participation reflects a destination’s commitment to environmental, social, and economic well-being, helping to create a better world through tourism and events. The Index measures, benchmarks, and enhances sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of destination management organisations, local authorities, and tourism suppliers. It also promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing, fostering continuous improvement and positive change in the global tourism and events industry.

Originally established to support sustainable practices in the business events industry, the GDS-Index now also covers leisure tourism, with expanded criteria including regenerative tourism, circular economy practices, enhanced climate action, and the impact and legacy of business events.

Kerry first joined the Index in 2018, with Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) leading the annual submission. Through collaboration with Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF), Kerry County Council (KCC), Fáilte Ireland (FI), and numerous tourism partners, this year’s result reflects Kerry’s commitment to sustainable tourism management. Stakeholders are united in weaving sustainability into the fabric of the county’s unique landscape, culture, and heritage.

Kerry scored 82.80%, a 6.63% increase on its 2024 score, and achieved #1 globally in its population category. The evaluation considered environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability, industry supplier support, and policies and performance reporting from Kerry Convention Bureau, Kerry Tourism Industry Fedatioern, and Kerry County Council. It also highlighted initiatives across the county, including:

Meitheal’s Sustainability Policy rollout
Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event in Killarney
Killarney Coffee Cup project
Launch of Killarney 2030 strategy
Kerry County Council THRIVE schemes
Tralee and Killarney Autism Friendly Towns
Dingle and Tralee Zero Waste Food Festivals

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Killarney Coffee Cup Project

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Autism-Friendly Killarney: Your Guide to a Sensory-Friendly Day Out in Kerry

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Alongside Kerry, Ireland’s key business event destinations — Dublin, Cork, Clare, Galway, and Limerick, plus Belfast in Northern Ireland — also feature in the Top 40. According to the GDS Index, these destinations effectively balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Kerry Convention Bureau Manager, Becky Hargrove, said:

"In a year that saw expanded criteria and tough competition from large cities and metropolises, we are proud to jump to #12 while maintaining our Top 20 presence and #1 Irish destination ranking. Achieving the top spot globally within our population category is a testament to the sustainability ambitions of our tourism suppliers, event professionals, and industry partners, aligning with those of our clients and partners worldwide. We thank Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council for supporting KCB and our annual GDS Index participation. Working together, we champion sustainability, help event planners host green events, and ensure business events in Ireland deliver lasting social and environmental benefits."

Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events Manager – Sustainability and Social Impact, Sally Ann O’Brien, said:

"Kerry’s success in the GDS-Index highlights its long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism and business events. Climbing seven places to #12 globally is remarkable. With Dublin, Cork, Clare, Galway, and Limerick also in the Top 40, Ireland is establishing itself as a green business events destination of choice, aligned with the Business Events 2030 strategy and initiatives such as the Climate Action Programme and Business Events Carbon Calculator."

Chairman of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Pat O’Leary, said:

"This outstanding ranking reflects strong collaboration and highlights Kerry on the international stage as a leading sustainable destination, contributing to the growth of our hospitality industry."

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Mike Foley, said:

"Kerry County Council is delighted that Kerry has improved its global position from 19th to 12th on the Global Sustainability Index. We appreciate the work of Kerry Convention Bureau and all partners in achieving this milestone. Together, we are building a sustainable future for residents and visitors alike."

Kerry Convention Bureau, supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, promotes Kerry as an iconic destination for business tourism, including national and international conventions, meetings, and incentives.