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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”.

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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.

MANCHETER isn’t short of fun hotels, but Yotel knows how to be cheeky without having to splash the cash.

So here’s what you need to know about staying at Yotel Manchester Deansgate.

Where is the Yotel Deansgate?

A short walk from the main train station, Yotel Manchester Deansgate is in the heart of the city centre.

Being on the corner of Deansgate, this means you have all of the top attractions, restaurants and bars on your doorstep.

What is the hotel like?

Expect funky decor when you walk in too, with neon signs and mismatched furniture.

The hotel even has umbrellas and power banks you can rent, so all the bases are covered.

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What are the rooms like?

My King Room had more than enough space, with a working desk, sofa and bold tropical print wallpaper transporting me to another country.

Every room has everything you need – smart TVs, fast WiFi and almost too many plug sockets.

Bathrooms are fully equipped with strong power showers and Korean-Australian toiletries by Urban Jungle.

If you need a cup of tea or coffee, or an iron, you’ll find them in the hallway ‘station’ to take back to your room.

On a budget? Opt for the Compact or Twin rooms – smaller but still with all the amenities.

Otherwise choose rooms on the 9th floor for great views overlooking the city.

Rooms start from £64 on a room only basis. See yotel.com

What is there to eat and drink there?

The Motley restaurant is the place to be with a great atmosphere all day.

There’s something for everyone, from braised beef short ribs to mushroom risottos, although I was especially impressed with the small plates, especially the bread with honey and lavender butter.

It might have been helped to go down thanks to the raspberry martini that accompanied…

Bring the pup – they get a free ‘doggy meal’ per dining guest.

The buffet breakfast was just as good. Along with the usual hot and cold options, they also had veggie dishes including shakshuka and tofu hash to choose from.

What else can you do there?

While it doesn’t have a gym, guests can book a free 45-minute work out classes at boutique fitness centre TRIB3.

If you want to do some shopping, the huge Arndale Centre is a five minute walk away too.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has Premium King rooms that sleep three, with a king size bed and sofa-bed.

Otherwise cots can be requested, with interconnecting rooms too.

Is the hotel accessible?

There are accessible King Rooms, which have step-free access as well as roll in showers, shower seats and height adjusted sinks.

They also have visual and vibrating alerts, and widened doorways.