Tourists in Copenhagen to Get Rewards for Litter Picking

Copenhagen's tourist board has launched a unique initiative rewarding tourists with free food and activities in exchange for participating in environmentally friendly tasks during their visit. This scheme, starting on July 15, aims to promote sustainable tourism in the Danish capital.

Visitors engaging in activities such as litter picking, using public transport, or cycling will be eligible for free lunches, coffees, glasses of wine, and kayak rentals. The "CopenPay" scheme is intended to offset the environmental impact of tourism, according to the Copenhagen tourist board.

The project is trust-based, meaning proof of green activities might not always be required. However, some attractions may ask for a photo of a bike ride or a public transportation ticket. The government is not reimbursing participating attractions, which include museums, rooftop bars, and kayaking charities. So far, 24 organizations have joined the pilot program.

"When you travel abroad - if you fly to other places or travel by car - you pollute," says Rikke Holm Petersen, the tourist board's communications chief. "One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination."

If successful, the scheme will continue throughout the year. "Imagine if we could have people taking a greener mindset back with them - if that was the souvenir they got - that would be amazing," Ms. Petersen adds.