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A Scottish city has been named one of the world’s top five destinations for sustainable hotels, according to new research from travel insurance specialist InsureandGo . Glasgow ranks fifth globally and first in the UK, with more than half of its hotels, 52.4 percent, verified by third-party sustainability certifications. The study examined more than 400 popular tourist cities worldwide to identify where travellers are most likely to find sustainability-certified hotels. While Nordic cities dominate the top 25, the research highlights that UK destinations are increasingly offering eco-conscious stays . Glasgow, which has previously been named the UK’s greenest city, has made sustainability a core part of its tourism strategy. The city hosted a COP Climate Summit and is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030. Visit Glasgow, the city’s tourism and destination marketing team, has developed a detailed sustainability plan that has helped the city rank fifth globally in the Global Destination Sustainability Index for 2025. “Travelling greener isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making better choices, one trip at a time. From packing light to choosing ethical experiences, every small action adds up,” said Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at InsureandGo. Glasgow’s ranking reflects a growing trend among travellers to prioritise eco-friendly accommodation. With verified certification, visitors can be confident that hotels meet rigorous environmental standards. Over half of the city’s hotels now display third-party sustainability badges, providing a trustworthy way for tourists to select genuinely green stays. Elsewhere in the UK, Newcastle also features in the global top 20, with 36.9 percent of hotels certified as sustainable, showing the country is making progress in offering environmentally responsible travel options. Across the globe, Helsinki in Finland tops the ranking, with 68.8 percent of hotels verified as sustainable. The city, which is made up of more than 300 islands, offers visitors a digital guide called Think Sustainably. The tool helps travellers find eco-friendly hotels, restaurants, attractions, and events. Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt comes second with 54.5 percent of hotels certified. The city, which hosted COP27 in 2022, is also home to Egypt’s first national park, the Ras Mohammed marine reserve. With more than half of its hotels verified, the city’s rating demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable tourism . Winnipeg in Canada ranks third, with 52.8 percent of hotels certified. The city is recognised for its green spaces and energy-efficient buildings, including Manitoba Hydro Place. Visitors can explore eco-conscious attractions such as the Forks Market, which follows a zero-waste policy, and the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. Barcelona comes fourth, with 52.6 percent of its hotels verified. The Spanish city is home to 252 certified hotels and nine Blue Flag beaches, and it was the first city globally to receive Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification for its commitment to sustainability. “More tourists are now choosing travel experiences that reflect their environmental values, and being able to see third-party verified sustainability information while booking something like accommodation makes that much easier,” said Smith. “We were intrigued to see which cities offer the most sustainable hotel options, and hope this data inspires some more eco-friendly travel planning in the future.”
