In Copenhagen, visitors are being invited to join cleanup days in return for complimentary tours and lunches, a program highlighted by the Tourism Office of the Danish capital. This approach aims to turn sightseeing into a shared, environmentally mindful experience that benefits both the city and its guests. The initiative helps travelers feel part of a larger effort to protect local ecosystems while discovering the city’s culture and charm.
The CopenPay pilot project, developed by the city’s tourism department, is designed to shift traveler behavior toward greener choices without compromising the enjoyment of travel. Participants can earn rewards by engaging in eco-friendly activities such as cycling through designated routes, joining community cleanups, or volunteering on local farms. The program ties tangible benefits to sustainable actions, making responsible travel more accessible and appealing for visitors who want their trips to reflect their values. This aligns with Copenhagen’s broader commitment to sustainable urban living and responsible tourism. Source attribution: Tourism Office of the Danish capital.
Market research showed that a large majority of travelers, about 82 percent, express a desire to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. Yet only a fraction, roughly 22 percent, actually change their behavior to meet those aspirations. CopenPay is positioned to close this gap by turning good intentions into concrete, rewarding activities. As travelers contribute to ecological preservation, they gain access to free museum entries, opportunities for kayaking, and even complimentary vegetarian meals, all while experiencing the city from a more connected perspective. This model demonstrates that sustainable choices can be rewarding on multiple levels. Source attribution: Tourism Office of the Danish capital.
According to the program’s advocates, the core objective is to make travel fundamentally greener while preserving the joy and spontaneity of discovery. The initiative emphasizes conscious, sustainable decisions that enhance the overall travel experience. By linking eco-friendly behavior to enriched cultural encounters, the city hopes visitors leave with lasting memories and a stronger sense of stewardship for the places they explore. The message is clear: responsible tourism can be a catalyst for deeper engagement with local communities and environments. Source attribution: Wonderful Copenhagen CEO.
Participants in the CopenPay scheme will be required to show proof of involvement, such as photographs of bicycle use or entries from local activities, to confirm participation. The program runs through the peak summer window, with activities scheduled from July 15 to August 11. The verification process is straightforward, designed to be unintrusive while encouraging real engagement with the city’s green initiatives. This structure helps ensure that rewards reflect genuine participation and fosters a sense of accountability among travelers and hosts alike. Source attribution: Tourism Office of the Danish capital.
Historically, cities have experimented with urban mobility incentives that reward residents and visitors for reducing car use. In another notable example, a German city has explored paying locals to minimize car traffic, a concept that echoes the broader strategy of aligning individual choices with environmental goals. Copenhagen’s approach with CopenPay adds a distinctive twist by centering the rewards on cultural and educational experiences, making sustainable travel feel both practical and richly rewarding for guests from Canada, the United States, and beyond. Source attribution: Tourism Office of the Danish capital.