For example, you can collect plastic waste and turn it into jellyfish at a workshop hosted by the National Gallery of Denmark. If you cycle or take public transport to the Amager Resource Centre, you can get an extra 20 minutes of skiing on CopenHill, an artificial slope on the roof of the power plant. (Non-skiers can take the lift to the top for free.) Volunteer at Oens Have, the largest urban garden in Northern Europe, or at the historic garden of the Karen Blixen Museum and enjoy a free vegetarian meal or free museum admission, respectively.
“We want to make tourism a positive force for change in sustainability,” said Rikke Holm Petersen, communications director at Wonderful Copenhagen, “but we also want tourists to have a memorable and fun experience.”
Holm Petersen explained that the program is based on the principle of honor, although some locations may ask for proof, such as a photo of your bike or a transit ticket. The program will run until August 11. Depending on its success, it could return next summer with more activities and for a longer period.
Around the world, destinations are experimenting with creative ways to promote environmental responsibility and engage visitors in their cause. With the Mālama Hawaiʻi program, travelers can get a discount on hotels or a free night by volunteering. For example, guests who volunteer their time with the Pacific Whale Foundation get a fourth night free and breakfast for two at the Hana-Maui Resort. (In a related move, the Hawaii Tourism Authority unveiled a certification system last month that verifies businesses committed to sustainable practices. Thirteen companies have received the designation, including major airlines, cruise lines, restaurants and the Bishop Museum.)
In 2017, Palau introduced the Palau Pledge, which tourists must sign upon arrival in the country. The agreement to “preserve and protect” the islands is stamped in their passports.
Hotels are also encouraging guests to reduce their consumption. Properties affiliated with Yotel’s “Purple Goes Green” program offer visitors a food and beverage credit for each day they forgo housekeeping service. Best Western Hotels and Resorts offers a similar program, where guests earn points or a dining voucher.
Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, welcomes programs that reward good behavior instead of guilting people into acting responsibly or reprimanding them for failings.
“Copenhagen deserves credit for not shying away from calling out bad behavior, but trying to make it fun and offer incentives and perks,” Durband said.
Holm Petersen has big ambitions for CopenPlay. She sees it as an agent of change.
“We hope that visitors will feel inspired to make more conscious choices about green actions when they return home,” she said, “and that other destinations will do something similar.”
