In many places, sustainability has become an integral part of the collective identity. That’s increasingly true in popular destinations such as Venice and Amsterdam, which are looking to combat the effects of overtourism. As a result, a new crop of destinations are now encouraging not just residents, but also out-of-towners to embrace that eco-friendly attitude. Earlier in 2024, officials in Copenhagen established a new program to offer up cultural and culinary perks as an incentive for participating in sustainable practices. Find out what to expect from this innovative program and explore destinations around the world that are offering similar perks for eco-friendly tourists.
What Is Copenhagen’s CopenPay?
Introduced in July 2024, CopenPay was designed as a rewards program to encourage both residents and tourists alike to engage in sustainable behaviors. To take advantage of the program, all participants had to do was partake in an eco-friendly activity, such as taking public transportation or riding a bike. They were also asked to provide evidence of their participation if possible, which could be as simple as a receipt or photograph.
After completing an eligible and sustainable activity, individuals could cash in for a number of benefits at one of 24 different attractions. The rewards included experiences such as a free beer at the Zoku rooftop bar, a complimentary kayak tour through the city’s coastal waters, or even free access to the historic gardens at the Karen Blixen Museum.
Though the pilot program ended in August, officials are hopeful it will be implemented again as soon as next year — and possibly on a grander scale throughout other parts of the country. But Copenhagen is just one of several locations around the world that have embraced the idea of rewarding tourists and locals who show interest in preserving the environment. Below are a few other examples that are currently ongoing or set to debut soon.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail is both free and simple to use. The pass is texted directly to your phone, and once you’ve signed up, you can show it at a number of businesses located along the entirety of the 125-mile-long stretch of the Florida Keys. The pass can be used for discounts with fishing companies, at scuba diving facilities, or to acquire free merchandise. It’s part of a larger initiative to bring eco-minded tourists to the region and convince them to take action to help preserve the environment.
Hawaii
On the opposite end of the country, in Hawaii, you’ll find a program called Malama Hawaii, which is derived from the Hawaiian word for “to care for.” This eco-friendly initiative offers visitors the chance to volunteer with any number of sustainable organizations, which may involve tending to a tropical garden or helping to clean up the coastline. In exchange for this support, participants can swap their volunteer hours for perks such as free meals and up to 15% off hotel rooms.
Palau
Palau is a Pacific microstate that, despite its small size, is hoping to make a big impact in preserving the environment. One of the key initiatives is a program set to launch later in 2024 called Ol’au Palau. Individuals are asked to partake in activities like visiting culturally significant sites or patronizing businesses that pride themselves on sustainability. In return, those volunteers are rewarded in the form of unique experiences that aren’t normally available to the public. This may include gaining access to a private taro farm for a tour or even a local meeting house to gain a deeper understanding into local culture. If you find yourself in this stunning, off-the-radar Pacific island nation, consider downloading Ol’au Palau once it’s available and experience the country in a way that few other visitors have.
Squamish, British Columbia
Squamish, a small Canadian town located about 40 miles north of Vancouver and known for its beautiful scenery, has seen a huge boost in tourism in recent years. In an effort to mitigate the impact of tourism on the local environment, the town of Squamish has implemented a new Red Bag Program through September 2024, which could be reintroduced in the near future if deemed successful. As part of this eco-friendly initiative, ambassadors are stationed at popular trails and parks in the city to hand out red plastic bags. Those who receive a bag are encouraged to pick up any trash they create or find along the way. Then, they return the bags to the information center in exchange for tantalizing free rewards such as a beer, coffee, or ice cream cone.
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