Copenhagen tests new climate incentive program for tourists to promote sustainability

Tourists in Copenhagen this summer have the opportunity to engage in unique and environmentally friendly activities as part of a pilot project called CopenPay. The initiative aims to reward visitors for participating in climate-conscious actions during their stay in the Danish capital. Wonderful Copenhagen, the tourist board behind the project, hopes to transform tourism into a positive force for change by encouraging tourists to make green choices.

Among the activities included in CopenPay is volunteering with the environmental organization GreenKayak, where tourists can join water tours to collect floating trash from Copenhagen’s waterways using green kayaks. Participants can enjoy a free two-hour litter-picking cruise as a reward for their efforts. Additionally, tourists can volunteer at an urban garden called Oens Have by tending to flower beds, harvesting crops, or feeding chickens, followed by a complimentary lunch. Visitors can also earn free ice cream by cycling or using public transportation to reach the National Museum, reducing carbon emissions from taxi or rental car rides.

At Denmark’s National Gallery, known as SMK, visitors can attend workshops where they learn how to repurpose plastic waste into jellyfish sculptures. The pilot project, which began on July 15 and will conclude on August 11, seeks to promote sustainable tourism practices in Copenhagen as the city grapples with the challenges posed by mass tourism. With over 12 million overnight stays recorded last year, Copenhagen, like many other popular destinations worldwide, is exploring ways to address the impact of tourism on the environment.

The CopenPay project’s innovative approach has garnered praise for its hands-on approach to sustainability. While some tourists like Fiona Veira appreciate the initiative, citing it as a “really good idea,” others acknowledge that convenience often takes precedence over environmental concerns during vacation. Despite the positive reception of programs promoting eco-friendly tourism, experts suggest that addressing the environmental impact of mass tourism should also involve examining transportation issues, such as aviation emissions and the need for improved train services to reduce short-distance flights.