Copenhagen Revives CopenPay: A Reward Program for Eco-Conscious Travelers
Jakarta – Copenhagen has breathed new life into its CopenPay program, a unique initiative designed to reward tourists engaging in environmentally friendly activities. This year, an impressive 90 attractions will take part, inviting travelers to enjoy complimentary experiences while embracing sustainable travel practices.
Launched by the city’s tourism board, Wonderful Copenhagen, the CopenPay program was initially piloted during the summer of 2024. With 20 local partners, including museums and farms, the initiative encouraged environmentally-minded tourists to participate in activities such as trash collection and the use of public transportation. In return, participants were treated to free food, beverages, and even kayak rentals.
Last year, the CopenPay program operated for four weeks, from July 15 to August 11, 2024. Its success was evident, marked by a remarkable 29% increase in bicycle rentals, a boost in waste collection efforts, and a resounding 98% of tourists recommending the program.
Extended Duration and Enhanced Rewards
In light of its positive impact, CopenPay will run for a longer period this year, extending to nine weeks from June 17 to August 17, 2025. The number of partner attractions has also expanded to 90, featuring renowned sites such as the National Museum, Kronborg Castle, the National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhill, and City Park.
The actions required for tourists to earn rewards this year remain largely consistent with those of the previous year. Instead of arriving by air, visitors are encouraged to travel to Copenhagen by train. Subsequently, they can enjoy a range of benefits, including free bike rentals, yoga sessions, guided tours, and discounted entry to attractions like the National Gallery of Denmark and City Park. Additionally, guests are urged to lengthen their stays, aiming for four days or more.
Søren Tegen Pedersen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, expressed his vision for the program, stating that tourism should act as a catalyst for positive change rather than an environmental burden. He noted that many travelers are eager to contribute positively to the destinations they visit.
“Rather than attracting more tourists to the city, the goal of CopenPay is to encourage our visitors to adopt sustainable travel habits—promoting responsible exploration of Copenhagen while enjoying unique experiences,” he remarked, as quoted in Travel Pulse.
Copenhagen: The World’s Happiest City
Beyond the CopenPay initiative, there’s another reason to explore Copenhagen: its distinction as the happiest city in the world. TimeOut recently reported that the Happy City Index has placed Copenhagen at the top, a recognition based on factors such as its citizens’ wellbeing, governance, environmental stewardship, economic stability, health, and mobility.
Copenhagen’s exceptional score can be attributed to its commitment to education and innovation, a robust culture of learning, and an emphasis on research and development coupled with active citizen participation in democracy. The happiness of Copenhagen’s residents is significantly tied to the practice of “hygge,” a concept that encourages taking a break from the bustle of daily life to savor quiet moments alone or with loved ones.
Editor’s Choice: Copenhagen Named the World’s Happiest City in 2025
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