Berlin Explores Adopting Copenhagen’s CopenPay Model, Offering Green Tourism Rewards for the Sustainable Travel Growth and Enhancing Global Eco-Friendly Tourism Options

Published on December 5, 2025

Berlin has expressed interest in emulating Copenhagen’s model for sustainable tourism, most especially the CopenPay initiative, which rewards tourists for adapting green travel behavior during their visits. This program, already successful in Copenhagen, rewards visitors for using bicycles, public transport, recycling, and engaging in environmental activities such as picking up trash. Tourists who take up these sustainable practices are then rewarded with benefits like discounted cultural amenities or free food in exchange for special access to local attractions.

This model has helped position Copenhagen as a leader in eco-tourism and sustainable travel. Now, Berlin-one of Germany’s largest and most-visited cities-is reportedly considering integrating the program into its own tourism landscape. Such a system would encourage tourists to make greener choices with the ultimate aim of shrinking carbon footprints and encouraging responsible travel behavior.

Copenhagen’s Success with CopenPay and the Launch of DestinationPay

The CopenPay program has gained attention globally due to its success in promoting green tourism. Tourists in Copenhagen who make environmentally conscious choices—such as using bikes for transportation, recycling, or utilizing trains and subways—are rewarded with perks like free entry to museums, discounted tickets to cultural events, and even complimentary food and drink. The program has become a symbol of how cities can balance tourism with sustainability, offering a blueprint for other destinations.

Building on this success, Denmark has launched DestinationPay, a global initiative designed to promote sustainable tourism across cities worldwide. DestinationPay is adaptable to any city, allowing destinations to tailor the program to their own local needs, while maintaining the core principle of rewarding tourists for choosing eco-friendly practices. The program is now gaining traction, with 100 destinations reportedly expressing interest in adopting this model.

Berlin’s Potential Involvement in the Global Sustainable Tourism Movement

According to reports from The Berliner newspaper, Berlin is seriously considering participating in the DestinationPay initiative. This move aligns with the city’s growing commitment to sustainable urban development and eco-friendly tourism practices. By integrating a similar reward-based system, Berlin hopes to reduce its environmental impact while offering tourists incentives for engaging in green behaviors.

Berlin, already known for its commitment to sustainability in urban planning, has increasingly become a leader in promoting eco-tourism in Europe. Adopting DestinationPay could further enhance the city’s reputation as an environmentally responsible destination, attracting tourists who prioritize sustainability. The reward system would not only benefit tourists but also promote local businesses that align with the eco-friendly ethos, creating a win-win situation for both visitors and residents.

Global Interest in Sustainable Tourism Rewards

The global response to DestinationPay has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 100 destinations worldwide expressing interest in the program. Cities around the world are recognizing the growing importance of sustainable tourism and the need to integrate green practices into their tourism offerings. Many cities see the CopenPay model as an opportunity to boost local economies, create new tourism-related revenue streams, and engage with environmentally conscious travelers.

As more destinations implement reward systems like CopenPay and DestinationPay, the future of global tourism will likely see an increase in eco-friendly practices, from carbon-neutral transportation to local waste reduction initiatives. This growing movement highlights how tourism can play a key role in environmental sustainability and conservation.

Future Tourism Growth: Shaping Sustainable Travel Worldwide

The potential for DestinationPay to influence tourism behavior is vast. As more cities like Berlin adopt this model, the impact on tourism could be transformative. Tourists will be encouraged to make more sustainable choices, not just because of environmental responsibility, but also because they can benefit from the rewards offered by these programs.

The rise of green travel incentives is likely to reshape the future of global tourism, with cities offering a variety of benefits to visitors who prioritize sustainability. This trend could lead to an increase in eco-tourism destinations, offering travelers more options to explore the world responsibly while enjoying local cultures and attractions.

For Berlin, embracing DestinationPay would signal a strong commitment to sustainable growth in the tourism sector. The program’s implementation could encourage a shift in travel patterns, with tourists increasingly choosing destinations based on the sustainability of their travel practices. As more cities integrate these systems, the future of tourism will undoubtedly be shaped by the need to align environmental responsibility with cultural exploration.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Berlin and Beyond

Berlin’s interest in DestinationPay forms part of a broader move toward sustainable tourism that is rapidly gaining speed worldwide. Through the adoption of a system such as CopenPay, Berlin will be well-placed to emerge as a leader in green tourism, drawing in new generations of environmentally conscious travelers while supporting local businesses and taking care of the environment.

The future of tourism lies in creating systems that reward sustainability, and Berlin-along with other global destinations-is positioned for a key role in this change. With DestinationPay continuing to grow and expand, more and more cities can implement these systems into their tourism policies, leading the way toward a greener and more sustainable tourism industry across the globe.