August 22, 2025 | 09:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Three cities in Europe are inspired by the CopenPay scheme, an award given by the Copenhagen government to tourists who behave well. This approach differs slightly from that of other popular European destinations, which impose fines or taxes on tourists.
Copenhagen initiated the CopenPay initiative last year. The award is given to tourists who demonstrate responsible behavior. The aim is not only to support sustainable tourism, but also to show that concern for the climate can be easily demonstrated. For instance, tourists who help out in community gardens, pick up trash, and take public transportation receive complimentary bicycle rentals, boat tours, and lunches.
Three European Cities Inspired by CopenPay
Copenhagen's initiative has sparked interest among other European cities in trying the same system. Sren Tegen Petersen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, said they have shared insights about CopenPay with more than 100 interested parties.
"Since launching CopenPay last summer, we’ve been met by an enormous interest from cities and tourist boards from Europe, Asia and North America, all wanting to know more about CopenPay and our learnings," he said, as quoted in Euronews.
Among them are Berlin and Bremen in Germany, as well as Helsinki in Finland. Berlin is considering rewarding tourists who travel by train, stay longer, consume plant-based food, and participate in environmentally friendly activities, with facilities such as discounted museum tickets, free food, and free bicycle rentals.
"CopenPay stands out as an inspiring example of how creative measures can effectively raise awareness for more sustainable travel. In Berlin, we share this ambition," said Sabine Wendt, CEO of visitBerlin, as quoted in TimeOut.
The initiative is planned to be implemented through a points-based system with a mobile app next year. The aim is to help narrow the gap between tourists who want to be more responsible but don't know how, and their actual behavior.
Bremen, another city in Germany, is using the CopenPay model for sustainable tourism promotion in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn. As part of this scheme, guests staying in Bremen by train will receive surprise gift bags containing small gifts and vouchers from various local tourism businesses.
"The campaign was very well received by our visitors and has encouraged us to further expand the concept, strengthening Bremen as a sustainable destination. For 2026, we are planning an even larger initiative," said Oliver Rau, Managing Director of Marketing and Tourism at Bremen, Wirtschaftsfrderung Bremen GmbH.
Generative Tourism in Helsinki
Helsinki is also interested in following Copenhagen's example and introducing its own version of the reward scheme. This scheme is likely to focus on regenerative tourism and the restoration of the Baltic Sea, in collaboration with other Baltic and Nordic destinations. "CopenPay is a great initiative, and we would be delighted to build upon that spirit," said Nina Vesterinen, director of the city's tourism.
Furthermore, this scheme will also encourage tourists to use public transport and bicycles, with rewards such as free food and discounted tours, among other experiences.
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