Tourists collect litter in canals for rewards in Copenhagen

Many tourists visiting Copenhagen consider the Little Mermaid and the Round Tower essential attractions. However, the Murray family from the UK has opted for a unique experience during their city trip. For about an hour, they cruised the city’s canals equipped with nets and buckets, collecting litter. In exchange for their efforts, they enjoyed a free boat tour. Throughout the summer, tourists have been able to participate in similar activities, as 24 different attractions and restaurants in Copenhagen have encouraged both tourists and locals to engage in climate-friendly actions as part of a pilot project named Copenpay.

This initiative, running from July 15 to August 11, offers various rewards, including free drinks, meals, and activities at museums like the National Museum and the State Museum of Art, in exchange for collected plastic waste or proof of public transport use. Many participants, like German visitor Allan Basse, appreciate the chance to contribute positively to the city while enjoying its scenic views from the water.

Tourism researchers believe projects like Copenpay can help mitigate anti-tourism sentiments seen in other European cities, such as Barcelona and Mallorca, where protests have erupted against mass tourism. Experts stress the importance of fostering positive interactions between tourists and the local community.

The tourist organization Wonderful Copenhagen, which launched Copenpay, aims to inspire sustainable choices among visitors. Looking ahead, they plan to evaluate the current project while considering how to address larger environmental issues, such as encouraging visitors to travel by train instead of flying, promoting a more comprehensive approach to tourism sustainability.