As tourism destinations across Europe impose fees and restrictions on visitors, Copenhagen is taking a unique and positive approach by rewarding tourists who demonstrate climate-friendly travel behaviors. Starting July 15, tourists who engage in green initiatives like cycling, train travel, and clean-up efforts will have access to free museum tours, kayak rentals, and complimentary meals.
Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, the CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, believes in transforming tourism into a force for positive change by encouraging sustainable actions. With only 22% of consumers currently changing their behavior to be more sustainable, Copenhagen’s new initiative, CopenPay, aims to bridge that gap by rewarding climate-friendly actions with cultural experiences.
For example, visitors arriving by bike or train at CopenHill can ski down the rooftop hill for free. Other opportunities include volunteering in cleanup efforts, turning plastic waste into art workshops at the National Gallery of Denmark, and receiving a free lunch at the Copenhagen Surf School after participating in beach cleaning. Over 20 attractions will participate in the pilot program this summer.
Mr. Hansen hopes that CopenPay will create a ripple effect and inspire other cities globally to incentivize sustainable tourism behavior, leading to a more sustainable future for all. This refreshing approach sets Copenhagen apart as a forward-thinking and environmentally-conscious destination.
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