Copenhagen Tourism has announced that visitors will be rewarded with free food and activities if they participate in environmentally friendly activities during their visit to Copenhagen.
The pilot scheme will start on July 15, with tourist attractions in the Danish capital offering incentives for activities such as picking up litter, taking public transport or cycling around the city.
Under the initiative, visitors can request free lunch, coffee, wine and kayak rentals in exchange for their work.
this “CopenPay” plan Copenhagen Tourism says the plan aims to offset the “environmental burden” of tourism.
“When you travel abroad — if you fly to other places or travel by car — you create pollution,” said Rikke Holm Petersen, director of communications at the tourism board.
“One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at their destination.”
Ms Peterson admitted the plan was just “a small step towards a green transition”.
The program is “trust-based,” meaning attractions are unlikely to ask for proof that green activities have been completed. “At some attractions, you may need to show a photo of you riding your bike, or your public transportation ticket,” she said.
The government will not provide compensation to companies behind attractions taking part in the scheme, including museums, rooftop bars and kayaking charities. So far, 24 organizations have signed up to the pilot program.
According to government statistics, more than 12 million people stayed overnight in Denmark last year.
Ms Peterson expected a “small proportion” of the city’s visitors to take part in the trial, which will run until August 11.
Londoner Othy Jasper, 25, who will travel to Copenhagen for work in August, said he was “aware” of his air miles when traveling. “It does add up – you have to think about is it necessary, is it worth it? Of all the things people can do, flying is probably the most polluting.”
He said of the scheme that “it’s cool that they’re doing something for the climate” but he was unlikely to spend his time collecting trash in exchange for the reward.
“As far as motivation goes, it feels like there’s some effort involved.”
If the scheme is deemed successful, it will be rolled out over the remainder of the year.
“Imagine if we could get people to bring back a greener mindset – if this was the souvenir they got – that would be great,” Ms Peterson said.
