« Copenpay »: Copenhagen rewarded sustainable vacationers

A journey on the train or electric car will be rewarded in Copenhagen from next week with rewards such as discounted, free rental bikes or free food will be rewarded. The “Copenpay” campaign, which wants to encourage tourists on sustainable travel, starts on Tuesday (June 17) and then runs until August 17th.

In 2024, the Danish capital “Copenpay” started as a pilot project of around 30 projects lasting several weeks – this year the campaign period will be extended to two months and the range of actions is expanded to around 90, according to the tourism organization Copenhagen. Among other things, the National Museum and the Hamlet Castle Kronborg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site north of the city.

What is new this year is that an arrival will be rewarded by train. Even those who fly can secure the discounts: a prerequisite for proof that you have paid for sustainable flight fuels (SAF). Airlines are increasingly offering this at an additional charge. Even those who spend four or more nights in Copenhagen can benefit.

Image polish with a sensible background

For tourism researcher Martin Lohmann is «Copenpay »on the one hand clever marketing. «This is original and, like any advertising, leads to awareness. This connection with sustainability naturally fits Copenhagen. All of this leads to a more positive image, »explains the expert.

On the other hand, the choice of means of transport with a view to the CO2 footprint, i.e. the greenhouse gases caused by the entire vacation, is by far the greatest factor. In this respect, the invitation to rethink his arrival behavior makes sense. «Because of the rewards, nobody drives to Copenhagen instead to fly to Mallorca. But if you are interested in the city anyway, you may be encouraged in your decision and get on the train there, »said Lohmann.

In any case, it is a good idea for cities to promote journey by train or bus and then provide a good range of public transport, rental bikes and co on site and to make their use attractive. « You don’t really want to do more cars from tourists because you often have enough difficulties with the locals’ automons, » says the specialist. In this respect, such incentives as in Copenhagen are reasonable and went in the right direction.

Similar approaches in other cities

The Danish capital alone is not with the idea – there are also incentives for environmentally friendly trips elsewhere: train travelers get a small one in Lyon Estate On the City Card. And if you arrive by train in Bremen and stay at least one night, you can say this summer.Surprise bag»Collect with specialties and discounts in the tourist information. The campaign runs as long as the supply is sufficient, but at the latest by the end of August.