Many cities have started taxing tourists to prevent disruption to the natural and social environment, but Copenhagen has decided to try something different. The famously progressive Danish capital is working to attract the right kind of globetrotter with a little positive reinforcement. Wonderful Copenhagen , the city’s official tourism organization, has introduced a new initiative that rewards eco-conscious travelers with various perks.
CopenPay transforms green actions into currency for cultural experiences. Travelers who, say, choose to ride a bike, participate in a cleanup, or take public transport will be given enriching experiences in return. Highlights include complimentary guided museum tours, free kayak rentals, and vegetarian lunches at no cost.
Visitors who take plastic waste to the National Gallery of Denmark can turn the trash into a piece of art, while those who bike to Copenhagen’s iconic heating plant can ski down the building’s roof. Even something simple like using a reusable coffee cup will get you a free cup of joe at selected venues. “We want visitors to make conscious, green choices and hopefully end up getting even better experiences while they visit,” Wonderful Copenhagen CEO Mikkel Aarø-Hansen said in a statement.
“Through CopenPay we therefore aim to incentivize tourists’ sustainable behavior while enriching their cultural experience of our destination.” CopenPay launched on Monday with more than 20 attractions. The system is reporte.