COPENHAGEN—There is a need to change the mindset of tourists and encourage green choices. Data show a large willingness as 82 percent say they want to act sustainably, but only 22 percent have changed their behavior.
This is why Copenhagen’s official tourism organization has introduced CopenPay—a new initiative transforming green actions into currency for cultural experiences. It is Copenhagen’s ambition to inspire visitors to make conscious green choices and help bridge the large gap between the desire to act sustainably and their actual behavior.
CopenPay rewards actions such as cycling, participating in cleanup efforts, or volunteering at urban farms with access to a variety of enriching experiences and everyday wonders of Copenhagen. This includes complimentary guided museum tours, free kayak rentals, and even a free vegetarian lunch made from local crops.
“It is a core task for us to make traveling sustainable,” says Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, CEO at Wonderful Copenhagen. “And we will only succeed if we bridge the large gap between the visitors’ desire to act sustainably and their actual behavior. It might sound simple, but it is not. We want visitors to make conscious, green choices and hopefully end up getting even better experiences while they visit. Through CopenPay we therefore aim to incentivize tourists’ sustainable behavior while enriching their cultural experience of our destination. It is an experimental and a small step towards creating a new mindset amongst travelers and one among many initiatives we are doing to make traveling more sustainable.”
Is Easy to Participate
The simplicity of the system allows easy participation: tourists can show a train ticket, arrive on a bicycle, or present other simple proof of green actions to redeem their rewards. Regular updates on available attractions and rewards can be found at copenpay.com.
“I am thrilled to see an initiative like CopenPay that combines our rich cultural life with a strong commitment to sustainability. By converting green actions into currency for cultural experiences, tourists are given a unique opportunity to explore Copenhagen in a way that benefits both the environment and the local community. This aligns perfectly with our values and ambitions to promote sustainable solutions in Copenhagen,” says Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Sophie Hæstorp Andersen.
Launching with over 20 attractions this summer, CopenPay not only aims to enhance the guests’ local experience but also to inspire other destinations.
Read more about CopenPay at www.copenpay.com.
