A POPULAR European city destination is adopting a green voucher scheme that will see tourists rewarded for litter picking this summer.
The city is hoping to attract tourists who don’t mind getting their hands a bit dirty on their holiday.
Germany‘s capital, Berlin, is set to introduce the ‘BerlinPay’ scheme that will see tourists rewarded for engaging in sustainable behaviour, like supporting social projects and collecting rubbish.
Those getting involved are set to receive benefits at museums, restaurants, and Berlin experiences when the scheme gets underway this summer.
This year, the scheme is going to be centred around water tourism and, partnered with the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, the model hopes to make responsible engagement around the waters visible and appreciated.
The tourism agency, Visit Berlin, has described the scheme as “an initiative that raises awareness and encourages responsible behaviour on and around Berlin’s waterways among visitors and Berliners”.
The agency has continued: “Those who behave responsibly on and around the water, for example by collecting trash, beautifying the neighbourhood, or supporting social projects – receive recognition from participating partners: small benefits or special Berlin experiences.”
The scheme is hoping to create a virtuous circle, where people get engaged, appreciate the city, and in turn are rewarded with a positive experience that will then drive engagement up further.
Berlin is currently looking for companies and initiatives to get involved with the reward scheme this summer and is keen on partners related to “Berlin’s water world”.
The tourism agency emphasized companies involved in water sports, leisure and tourism, gastronomy, hotel industry, culture and education, mobility, and environmental and urban initiatives should apply.
This new project appears to be following in the footsteps of Denmark, which launched ‘CopenPay’ for the country’s capital back in 2024.
So far, the scheme has proved to be effective and has had positive effects in the city, as tourists are given rewards such as boat trips and free bike rentals for their sustainable behaviour.
The head of communications and behavioural research at Wonderful Copenhagen, Rikke Holm Petersen, has reiterated the benefits to both the tourists and the city.
“When people are on holiday, they are more open to new ideas, and with CopenPay we have shown that tourists are not only happy to take part but are also inspired to…take new habits home with them,” Peterson said.