This 2021 file photo shows tourists visiting Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront in Copenhagen, Denmark. Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images Hide caption
Toggle caption Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images
Tourists visiting the Danish capital Copenhagen this summer could be in for a free kayak rental or a free cup of coffee if they make environmentally friendly choices during their trip.
Earlier this month, the city announced it was rolling out a new initiative called “CopenPay” in an effort to encourage visitors to adopt more sustainable behaviours, such as walking, cycling, using public transport and picking up litter.
“The aim is to create meaningful and memorable experiences that are fun and environmentally conscious,” said Mikkel Aaro Hansen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, the city of Copenhagen’s tourist board.
Arrive at the National Museum by bike or public transport and receive a free ice cream made from locally grown rhubarb, strawberry and liquorice with your ticket purchase; pick up trash in the Bain Garden precinct and receive a free organic meal; and Green Kayaking will lend you a free kayak if you pick up trash on the water and post it on social media.
Officials say participants can show evidence such as train tickets or photos of themselves taking part in climate-friendly activities, but also point out that the system is “based on trust, with Danish society being the most trusting in the world according to PEW Research.”
The pilot program comes as residents elsewhere in Europe are denouncing, and in some cases confronting, the throngs of tourists who flock to their historic cities and picturesque beaches every year, leading to rapid development and increasing strain on local residents.
In Spain, protests against overcrowding have erupted in the Canary Islands, and in Barcelona demonstrators recently fired water guns at diners. Venice this year limited tour groups to 25 people and imposed entrance fees for some visitors, but critics say the pilot program aimed at day-trippers has done little to alleviate congestion.
Copenhagen authorities say they are not trying to attract more tourists but to reduce tourism’s current environmental impact on the city of more than 600,000 people.
Copenhagen attracted 12 million international overnight guests last year, according to the tourist board.
The pilot program began Monday at 24 participating institutions and will run until Aug. 11. Officials have said they hope the program will become year-round and expand beyond Copenhagen.
