The Copenhagen Tourist Office presents a fresh, ambitious environmental initiative to boost sustainable tourism practices. The action, called CopenPay, was announced on 12 May and piloted in 2024 on a limited scale, acting as a “reward” for tourists who adopt greener behaviours.
CopenPay boosts green mobility
At the heart of the initiative is the effort to reduce our carbon footprint, with a focus on the transport sector, which is considered the most polluting. Visitors who choose to travel to the Danish capital by train and stay in the city for more than four days will benefit from a number of privileges.
These include free bike rentals, discounts on excursions, free yoga classes and vegetarian meals. The message is clear: those who choose to reduce their environmental impact will also benefit directly.
Information campaign throughout the city
To inform visitors about the offers and participation points, billboards will be used in the city, as well as promotional campaigns on social networks.
An action that mobilizes: from the bicycle to the… port
The official launch of the programme is set for 17 June, with a duration of nine weeks. Around 90 sites in and around Copenhagen will be involved, including major points of interest such as the National Museum and the city’s urban ski slope.
A typical example of the initiative is the partnership with Goboat, a company that offers electric, solar-powered boat rentals. Visitors are invited to participate in a symbolic action: one hour of free boating in the harbour, in exchange for collecting waste from the water.
This action had an impressive response last year. As Munch Palgaard Sander, a spokesman for Goboat, reports, in 2023 over 500 people responded to the offer, leaving the company unable to fully meet demand.
Important results from the pilot application
According to figures from tourism agency Wonderful Copenhagen, in just one month in 2024, the initiative attracted 75,000 tourists. Bicycle rentals increased by 29%, while huge amounts of waste were collected through voluntary actions.
The most impressive statistic is the general acceptance of the programme: 98% of participants said they would recommend it to others. This universal satisfaction proves that tourists are willing to get actively involved when there are appropriate incentives and a clear framework for action.
A model city in sustainable tourism policy
With CopenPay, Copenhagen confirms its position as a pioneer in green tourism strategy, combining care for the environment with rewarding visitor experiences. If the pilot project proves successful, it is possible that it could become a model for other European cities.
