Berlin is set to launch a new initiative that rewards tourists for sustainable behaviour, such as litter picking, with free or discounted entry to attractions and meal vouchers at participating restaurants. The scheme, named BerlinPay, is inspired by Copenhagen's CopenPay model and aims to encourage visitors to contribute to the city's cleanliness and sustainability.
How BerlinPay Works
Under the BerlinPay programme, tourists who engage in activities like collecting rubbish, helping to spruce up neighbourhoods, or supporting social projects will receive recognition from participating partners in the form of small perks or special Berlin experiences. The scheme will initially focus on keeping the city's waterways clean, in partnership with the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.
Visit Berlin, the city's tourism board, is currently recruiting companies to take part in the campaign, which is expected to launch this summer. More details on the programme of sustainable awards will be presented in mid-May.
Berlin's Sustainability Ranking
Berlin was voted the fourth most sustainable metropolis in the world in the 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), highlighting its commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The new initiative is part of a broader push to enhance the city's green credentials and promote responsible travel.
Inspiration from Copenhagen
The BerlinPay model follows the successful CopenPay scheme introduced in Copenhagen in 2024. Under CopenPay, tourists who demonstrate climate-friendly actions, such as litter picking or arriving by eco-conscious transport, are rewarded with free drinks, meals, and activities. In 2025, CopenPay returned triple the size, with 90 participating attractions across Copenhagen and running for nine weeks from 17 June to 17 August. Rewards included free coffees, ice cream, bike rental, organic meals, and boat tours.
Wonderful Copenhagen, the city's tourism board, introduced the CopenPay scheme to encourage tourists to act more sustainably during the summer months. The success of this initiative has inspired Berlin to adopt a similar approach, with hopes of making a significant impact on the city's environmental footprint and tourism experience.
By rewarding sustainable behaviour, Berlin aims to not only clean up its streets and waterways but also to foster a culture of responsibility among visitors. The scheme is expected to enhance the overall tourist experience while contributing to the city's long-term sustainability goals.
