Visitors to Copenhagen will be rewarded by attractions if they take part in climate-friendly activities, the city’s tourist board has said.
Through the trial scheme, which starts on 15 July, tourists can earn rewards like a free lunch, a kayak tour, or a trip to a museum.
To get these freebies, visitors can collect litter, use public transport instead of driving, work in an urban garden, or make a pledge to be more sustainable
“When you travel abroad – if you fly to other places or you travel by car – you pollute,” said Rikke Holm Petersen, the tourist board’s communications chief (via the BBC). “One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination.”
The ‘CopenPay’ scheme is just a “little step towards the green transition”, Petersen said.
“With CopenPay, we’re empowering people to experience more of what Copenhagen offers while placing less burden on our planet,” said Mikkel Aarø Hansen, CEO of the Wonderful Copenhagen tourism organisation.
“It’s about creating meaningful and memorable experiences that are enjoyable and environmentally responsible.”
So far, 24 visitor attractions are taking part in the project, from rooftop bars to kayaking venues. Museums involved include the National Museum of Denmark, the Museum of Copenhagen, MACA Museum Copenhagen, Enigma, and the National Gallery of Denmark.
New ‘CopenPay’ initiative
At Enigma, guests who arrive by bike or public transport get discounted entry. The National Museum of Denmark is offering free ice cream to guests who “arrive sustainably”, and the Museum of Copenhagen is providing a free coffee.
Visitors arriving at the National Gallery of Denmark with plastic waste can head to a workshop to turn their rubbish into a work of art.
Participants can show proof of their green efforts in return for rewards, but CopenPay is “built on trust”, Copenhagen’s tourist board says.
The initiative is running until 11 August, but will be extended for the rest of this year if it’s successful.
