Copenhagen Expands Eco-Friendly CopenPay Program for 2025
Copenhagen is bringing back its popular sustainable tourism initiative, CopenPay, for summer 2025 with expanded rewards and a longer season. The program, run by Wonderful Copenhagen, encourages eco-conscious travel by offering experiences in exchange for green actions. Originally launched as a pilot in 2024, CopenPay will now run for nine weeks from June 17 to August 17, more than doubling its initial four-week run.
This year’s edition introduces new incentives, especially for travelers arriving by train. These visitors will receive perks such as free bike rentals, yoga sessions, guided tours, and discounts at city attractions. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of incoming tourists by shifting away from high-emission transport options. Those traveling by electric vehicle will also benefit from discounted parking, while travelers staying four days or longer will be rewarded for helping reduce travel frequency.
According to Wonderful Copenhagen CEO Søren Tegen Pedersen, transportation accounts for the largest share of tourism-related emissions. Encouraging visitors to stay longer and use more sustainable travel methods is key to lowering the city’s tourism impact. In return, the city offers experiential incentives like vegetarian meals, museum access, and mobility benefits.
The program has expanded significantly, with over 90 participating attractions this year, up from around 20 in 2024. Major sites like The National Museum, Kronborg Castle, and the National Gallery of Denmark are involved. While many rewards operate on trust, some will require proof such as train tickets or photos of green actions.
Last year’s pilot program was met with enthusiastic support. Bike rentals rose by 29%, and cleanup activities helped remove large amounts of litter. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 98% recommending the initiative. This success has drawn global attention, with Wonderful Copenhagen invited to share its insights with more than 100 other destinations. The project has also become part of the EU’s Transition Pathways for Tourism initiative.
Tegen Pedersen emphasized that the initiative is less about increasing tourist volume and more about promoting meaningful, sustainable travel habits. He hopes that travelers will take Copenhagen’s values with them—whether it’s a new appreciation for cycling, plant-based eating, or long-stay travel. Through programs like CopenPay, the city is reimagining what responsible tourism can look like and showing how small behavioral changes can lead to significant environmental impact.
Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/artificial-intelligence/, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-business/