This summer, the city of Copenhagen in Denmark is rolling out an exciting initiative aimed at encouraging eco-friendly tourism. As part of the CopenPay campaign, tourists who arrive by train and stay for more than four days will be rewarded with free bike rentals. This incentive is designed to promote sustainable transport options and reduce the environmental impact of travel within the city.
CopenPay, which was piloted on a smaller scale in 2024, seeks to raise travelers’ awareness about responsible tourism, with a particular focus on transportation, a sector known for its high pollution levels. According to Soren Tegen Pedersen, head of the city’s tourism board Wonderful Copenhagen, the initiative aims to motivate visitors to adopt greener habits while exploring the city.
In addition to free bike rentals, participants who engage in climate-friendly activities such as cycling and picking up litter will receive discounts at museums and tourist attractions. They can also enjoy complimentary yoga classes and vegetarian meals. A total of 90 locations are involved in the campaign, including prominent venues like the National Museum of Denmark and CopenHill, a unique synthetic ski slope.
The campaign will run from June 17 until late August and will be promoted through billboards around Copenhagen as well as across various social media platforms. Its success during the 2024 trial has helped build momentum for this year’s expanded program.
One of the initiative’s standout partners is GoBoat, a service offering electric motorboat rentals powered by solar energy. Reflecting on their participation last year, GoBoat’s representative Mads Pilegaard Sander highlighted the enthusiasm of visitors who exchanged trash collection efforts in the city’s harbor for free boating time. “In 2024, 500 people took advantage of this offer, and demand exceeded what we could accommodate,” he said.
During the 2024 trial, 75,000 tourists participated in the eco-friendly activities promoted by CopenPay. The results were encouraging: bike rentals surged by 29 percent, significant amounts of litter were removed from public spaces, and an impressive 98 percent of participants expressed willingness to recommend the program to others. These outcomes demonstrate the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its ability to inspire visitors to contribute positively to Copenhagen’s environment.
By offering attractive incentives and fostering greater environmental responsibility, Copenhagen hopes to set a new standard for eco-conscious travel, combining fun, culture, and sustainability in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
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