GDS-Index : a global reference

As part of its involvement in responsible tourism, the Tourist Office of Lyon integrated the GDS program in 2019. Yearly, it brings together a hundred exceptional destinations, from Montreal in Canada to Helsinki in Finland, via Brisbane in Australia and Lyon in France. Deeply rooted in a systemic approach, GDS is structured around 4 main thematics: environment, social, suppliers and service providers, and DMO (destination management organizations) and 76 requirements. The index aims to preserve the territory and the social economy. Furthermore, the program changes its requirements every year, reflecting a constant challenge for participating destinations.  

In 2025, ONLYLYON Tourism & Congress announced a significant breakthrough with an 84.4/100 global rating, up from 80.16/100 in 2024. Lyon takes first place among French cities and eighth place worldwide, up seven places from the previous year. It also takes first place in the “Central & Southern Europe” category, above Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, and Basel. This good result confirms UNESCO city’s position as an international leader in responsible tourism.   

Lyon, its visitors, and inhabitants are looking forward to this impressive growth, the result of the hard work and commitment of all tourism stakeholders. We are proud to note that the dynamic that we have collectively built over several years makes Lyon a true reference.

Robert Revat, President of ONLYLYON Tourism & Congress

A distinction awarded by the collective

This distinction, which recognizes the collective efforts of the local ecosystem, has a direct impact on the destination's appeal, helping to stimulate the local economy and support employment. In Lyon, the Tourist Office's strategy is based on three pillars: developing the commitment of professionals, transforming the offer and pushing changes in demand. Among these are several major actions:  

  • Raising awareness among stakeholders (employees and members) through specific meetings on CSR issues: 100% of employees trained, more than 200 participants each year among members.  
  • Support for hotel owners' commitment to eco-certification of their establishments through on-the-ground support and financial assistance from ONLYON Tourism & Congress and the Metropolis. In Lyon, 69 establishments are already certified, and 19 are in the process of eco-certification. 
  • Promotion of train travel with the Lyoncomotive operation, organized in Brussels, Lausanne, Paris, Turin, Barcelona, Frankfurt, and soon in Milan and Zurich.   

This ranking reflects the collective commitment of Lyon's tourism stakeholders, of which GL events is proud to be a part through the management of the sites entrusted to it. By pursuing an ambitious roadmap for more responsible business tourism, we want to actively contribute to this virtuous dynamic. This commitment enhances the attractiveness of our destination and constitutes a strategic lever. Major conference organizers use this ranking to guide their choices. We will therefore be more competitive in attracting major international events for the social, cultural, and economic vitality of our region.

Sylvain Douce, Managing Director of Lyon Events

For us, the attractiveness of Lyon as a destination also lies in its strong commitment to sustainability through the GDS-Index and its ambitious RSE initiatives. This engagement not only enhances Lyon’s image in the field of business tourism but also reinforces the value of being part of a collective that actively shapes a more resilient and responsible future. We are proud to contribute to this shared journey and to see pioneering examples.

Yves Grardel Cluster, General Manager Radisson Blu Lyon & Radisson Collection Cour des Loges Lyon

Fully aware of the tourism sector’s impact on climate change, the Lyon Tourism Office welcomes the increasingly rigorous criteria of the annual ranking, as well as the growing number of participating cities. A transformation in travel behavior is underway. 

More information on sustainable tourism here.