Copenhagen's new CopenPay program offers tourists perks for engaging in eco-friendly activities, such as volunteering and using bicycles, as part of its effort to promote sustainable tourism.
Adrienne Murray Nielsen reports for BBC.
In short:
- CopenPay encourages tourists to adopt sustainable practices by rewarding them with free or discounted experiences for eco-friendly actions like using bicycles, picking up litter, or volunteering on urban farms.
- The initiative includes 24 attractions and runs until August 11, 2024, aiming to inspire a more sustainable mindset among visitors and encourage them to make positive contributions to the city.
- Tourism officials hope the program's success will lead to a permanent, year-round initiative and inspire similar programs worldwide.
Key quote:
“It tries to give a little bit of an answer to how tourism can pay back and how it can help.”
— Carina Ren, professor at Aalborg University.
Why this matters:
The surge in tourism in cities like Copenhagen risks environmental degradation, prompting the need for sustainable tourism models. CopenPay represents a shift toward integrating responsible tourism into travel experiences, potentially serving as a blueprint for other cities.
