Earn free lunches and glasses of wine in this European country by picking up litter

Copenhagen has launched an innovative program to promote eco-friendly practices among tourists. The program, called CopenPay, will run from July 15 to August 11, and will be rewarding visitors for sustainable actions, such as litter picking, biking, and using public transport. By showing a public transport ticket or proof of their actions, tourists can earn rewards like free lunches, coffees, glasses of wine, museum tours, and kayak rentals.

If reports are to go by, the said program is designed to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism without increasing the number of visitors. Mikkel Aaro Hansen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, highlighted the dual goal of enhancing the tourist experience while reducing environmental strain. He stated, “With CopenPay, we’re empowering people to experience more of what Copenhagen offers while placing less burden on our planet.” This initiative aims to create memorable and environmentally responsible experiences for tourists.

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Rikke Holm Petersen, communications chief of the tourism board, told the media, “When you travel abroad - if you fly to other places or you travel by car - you pollute. One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination.” The program encourages tourists to adopt sustainable practices during their stay, aligning with the broader goal of promoting sustainability.

Currently, 24 local businesses are participating in CopenPay, offering rewards without any government funding. This collaboration between the city and local businesses reflects a collective commitment to sustainability. Copenhagen’s mayor, Sophie Haestorp Andersen, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “I’m thrilled to see an initiative like CopenPay that combines our rich cultural life with a strong commitment to sustainability.” She emphasized that the program aligns with the city’s goal of promoting sustainable solutions.

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The pilot scheme's success will determine if CopenPay will be extended throughout the year. By incentivising eco-friendly behavior, Copenhagen hopes to set a new standard for sustainable tourism, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and enjoyable travel experiences can go hand in hand. This program represents a significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint of tourism and promoting a more sustainable future for the city.