Copenhagen Rewards Eco-Friendly Tourists: Uncovering the Incentives
Traveling Green to Copenhagen Starts Next Week: Here's What You Need to Know
Pack your bags and prepare for an eco-friendly adventure! Beginning June 17th, visiting Copenhagen by train or electric car will reap rewards like discounted attractions, free bike rentals, and complimentary meals. This exciting campaign, titled "CopenPay," aims to promote sustainable tourism and runs through August 17th.
First introduced in 2024 as a pilot project, "CopenPay" is now expanding for two months, with over 90 participating attractions. Some notable participants include the National Museum and the Hamlet Castle Kronborg, a UNESCO World Heritage site 40 kilometers north of the city.
What's new this year? Arriving by train is now rewarded, and even those who fly can secure benefits by proving payment for sustainable aviation fuels — an additional fee offered by many airlines. Longer stays in Copenhagen (four nights or more) will also qualify for perks.
A Sustainable Shine for Copenhagen
According to tourism researcher Martin Lohmann, "CopenPay" is clever marketing, appealing and aligned with Copenhagen's sustainable reputation. While the choice of transport remains crucial for a trip's overall carbon footprint, Lohmann acknowledges that the initiative invites travelers to reconsider their choices and encourages eco-friendly travel.
Cities promoting sustainable transport methods, followed by attractive public transport, bike rentals, etc., makes sense, Lohmann explains. "We don't need more tourist cars clogging up the roads," he adds.
Sustainable Travel Rewards Beyond Copenhagen
Copenhagen is not alone in promoting eco-friendly travel — other cities offer incentives as well. In Lyon, train travelers receive a small discount on the City Card, and in Bremen, those arriving by train who stay at least one night can claim a "surprise bag" with local specialties and discounts this summer.
A Global Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism
While specific campaigns like CopenPay might not be widely replicated, many cities worldwide are focusing on sustainable tourism initiatives. For instance, Porto, Portugal, is becoming popular among eco-conscious travelers, while Barcelona, Spain, encourages the use of public transport and eco-friendly accommodations. Budapest, Hungary, is hosting events like the City Destinations Alliance International Conference, emphasizing sustainable tourism practices.
Lastly, around 100 destinations worldwide have expressed interest in adopting Copenhagen's CopenPay model, highlighting a potential shift towards sustainable travel incentives in the future.
- To support sustainable living, consider combining a visit to Copenhagen with a 'home-and-garden' makeover, incorporating eco-friendly practices learned from the city's artistic and environmentally-conscious lifestyle.
- To balance your travel and budget-travel aspirations, explore budget-friendly accommodations in sustainable cities like Porto, Portugal, or Barcelona, Spain, that prioritize eco-friendly tourism and public transport.
- As sustainable tourism continues to grow, consider traveling off-season or during campaigns like Copenhagen's CopenPay to minimize impact on local ecosystems and support destination-driven initiatives in your 'lifestyle' choices.
