Europe is one of the most — if not the most — sought-after travel region across the globe. Particularly in the wake of the pandemic, people have been flocking to the continent by the tens of millions every year, and while for some countries that's been good for the local economy, in others, it's created deep-rooted and "complex" issues for residents.In Venice in Italy, day visitors have been subject to a trial where they pay an $8 entry fee during peak hours in a bid to preserve the city from overcrowding. In Bali in Indonesia, travellers are required to pay a similar tax on arrival. In Barcelona this week, thousands took to the streets in protest of mass tourism, that they said had worsened their quality of life.Under the CopenPay scheme people who prove they've undertaken an environmentally-friendly act will earn rewards. Source: GettyCopenhagen's bold new strategy to get tourists to 'behave'But in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, authorities are taking a very different approach. They're now offering incentives to travellers that help sustain the city and its environment through a bold new rewards program.Tourists and locals will be treated to a selection of "gifts" after performing "green deeds", which can range from arriving at a tourist attraction on a bike or picking up litter. Rewards for these climate-conscious visitors include free museum entry, complimentary glasses of wine, free meals, free kayaking tours and other local attractions.Climate-friendly acts that'll attract a reward include showing up with a piece of plastic waste at the National Gallery of Denmark (with people then able to see it turned into a piece of art), arriving at tourist attractions by train instead of driving and tidying up public spaces.The city tourism board said that while proof of completion of these green deeds is preferable, the CopenPay scheme will operate mainly on trust. A report from the Pew Research Center revealed Denmark has the highest level of personal trust in the world.Trial to run for one monthKristijan Svajnzger, Regional General Manager for Northern Eastern Europe at Intrepid Travel, said the scheme aims to educate rather than penalise. "I think travellers will be keen to try out this initiative," he said. "This is a great way to educate and reward people who are doing the right thing rather than penalise people who are doing the wrong thing when it comes to sustainability."According to Statista, revenue from tourism in 2021 was around 118.2 billion Danish kroner or about $25 billion AUD. Official statistics from the Danish government show the country welcomed an estimated 15 million tourists in 2023.Travel authorities in the country believe this new incentive — which will run initially as a one-month trial — will reduce tourism's environmental burden rather than attract more tourists to the region.The CopenPay scheme will begin on a trial basis on July 15 and run for one month.Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Source link : https://au.news.yahoo.com/european-citys-unique-solution-to-big-tourist-burden-011642833.html Author : Publish date : 2024-07-11 01:24:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.