The city has been ranked sixth globally and number one in the UK and Ireland in the 2026 Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index.
The rankings measure how destinations are making tourism, conferences and events more sustainable.
The Index looks at the sustainability of the city itself as well as its events and tourism industry.
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This includes areas such as hotels, conference venues and visitor attractions, alongside environmental and social measures.
Glasgow has taken part in the GDS Index since 2016, with 2026 marking a decade of the city benchmarking its progress against destinations around the world.
A total of 73% of Glasgow’s hotels now hold green accreditation, up from 66% at the time of the city’s 2025 submission.
Eight out of Glasgow’s top 10 visitor attractions also hold third-party sustainability certification.
Sustainability is also a key part of Glasgow’s work to attract and host conferences and major events.
Through the Glasgow Conference Impact Network, the city works with conference organisers and local organisations to create benefits for communities beyond the event itself.
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In 2025, the network worked with 40 local organisations, delivered nine activities linked to conferences in the city, reached more than 4000 members of the public and engaged more than 680 young people.
The Glasgow Convention Bureau has also launched its Meetings Mean More initiative, connecting conference organisers with community organisations and helping visiting events create a wider positive impact in the city.
This work sits alongside Glasgow’s wider sustainability ambitions, including the Glasgow Climate Plan 2026-2030 and the Glasgow Tourism Action Plan 2026-28, which includes a dedicated focus on sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Cllr Ricky Bell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This result shows that sustainability is increasingly embedded in how Glasgow grows, welcomes visitors and hosts major events.
“The city has set clear ambitions on climate action, and progress within our tourism and events sector is an important part of that wider work.
“The increase in hotels achieving green accreditation is one example of how businesses across Glasgow are responding.
“There is still more to do, but this recognition shows that the city is moving in the right direction.”
Aileen Crawford, head of Tourism and Conventions, Destination Glasgow, said: “Glasgow’s continued recognition among the world’s leading sustainable destinations reflects the long-term commitment across the city to making our visitor economy more responsible, inclusive and sustainable.
“This progress is built on strong partnership working across Glasgow’s tourism and events sector, businesses, universities, communities and public sector partners.
“It is that collective effort which continues to strengthen Glasgow’s position as a sustainable business events destination and supports our ambition to keep improving.”