Sustainable destinations are proving that travel and responsibility can go hand in hand. These are places that make bold promises to protect nature, celebrate culture and empower communities and, crucially, they turn those promises into action.

Expo City Dubai is one such location - a Certified Sustainable Destination under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) - one that continues to reimagine how urban life and tourism harmoniously coexist with the planet and by respecting the local traditions and the local residential communities. Every detail, from clean energy to pedestrian-friendly mobility to restored habitats and events and attractions linked to local culture, reflects a deep commitment to people and planet.

Expo City Dubai's master plan is pre-certified Platinum — the highest possible rating - in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Cities and Communities standard, which focuses on inclusivity, economic development and environmental preservation. With a master plan pre-certified under the WELL Community standard, all commercial buildings holding WELL Health-Safety ratings.

Rove Expo City Hotel was awarded the Gold tier of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in 2025 and is also certified under the Green Key.

By applying circular-economy principles, the new Green Innovation District is transforming unwanted materials into valuable resources while attracting clean-tech pioneers - reinforcing Expo City Dubai's role as a destination built with purpose.

And it's not alone. Globally, sustainability is no longer a bonus: it's becoming the fundamental standard for thriving destinations.

Around the world, cities are pursuing international certifications and integrating sustainability across their planning and operations, each location telling its own unique story of innovation and resilience:

Malmö (Sweden) is pushing the envelope with its Hyllie district - a showcase for 100 percent renewable and recycled energy, powered by smart grids, district heating and future-ready mobility planning. It reflects the city's broader move to 40 percent renewable energy and offers a glimpse of what sustainable urban travel can look like.
Melbourne (Australia) is recognised for its comprehensive sustainable tourism initiatives, successfully earning certification through international organisations.
Basel (Switzerland) is a leader in the energy transition, moving toward a future where nearly 100 percent of its power is sourced from renewables.
Copenhagen (Denmark), recently validated as a Certified Sustainable Destination, implements its "Circular Copenhagen" strategy - a comprehensive zero-waste plan focused on increased sorting, reuse and recycling of waste.
Ljubljana (Slovenia) serves as a model for the holistic integration of green principles, demonstrating how national capitals can successfully transform their infrastructure and daily life.

What sets these places apart? As opposed to one grand gesture, it's thousands of small, consistent choices: using renewable energy, restoring ecosystems and increasing new habitats, supporting local businesses and making sustainability an everyday experience.

For travellers, that means cleaner air, authentic encounters and the satisfaction of knowing your stay supports the local culture. For destinations, it's proof that sustainable tourism isn't just possible - it's powerful.

Podcast | episode 7: Identity, Innovation & the Future of Urban Life

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