Schemes reward visitors for picking up litter, taking planet-friendly forms of transport and volunteering on conservation projects.
Tourist numbers and their behaviour have got so out of control in some destinations that strict and sometimes drastic measures have to be introduced.
Block the way by taking a selfie in Italy’s Portofino or wheel a suitcase rather than carry it in Dubrovnik and you face an unpleasant fine.
But instead of bringing in punishments for irresponsible behaviour, some destinations are hoping introducing incentives for good tourist practices is the answer.
Schemes reward visitors for picking up litter, taking planet-friendly forms of transport and volunteering on conservation projects.
Copenhagen offered free ice cream and coffee for eco-friendly acts
For around a month over the summer, Copenhagen brought in CopenPay, a reward programme for responsible tourist behaviour.
During July and August, the Danish capital offered incentives for engaging in eco-friendly activities including taking public transport, walking or riding a bike.
Other eligible green actions include picking up litter or volunteering on an urban farm.
After presenting some form of proof such as a train ticket or a cycling selfie, tourists could use the CopenPay app to locate rewards and participating attractions on a map.
Perks included free coffee, ice cream and glasses of wine as well as discounted museum entry and a kayak tour.
Officials say the pilot scheme was successful and they hope to reintroduce it on a wider scale next year.
Tourists help maintain natural attractions in the Faroe Islands
In 2019, the Faroe Islands launched their ‘Closed for Maintenance’ programme in a bid to prove that tourism can be a force for good.
The project sees the archipelago close popular tourist sites for a weekend, giving access only to volunteers (or ‘voluntourists’ as they are known).
These visitors undertake maintenance work focused on repairing or building hiking paths and installing signposts.
The rewards for the tourists themselves are less tangible but no less significant – during your stay you befriend locals, meet like-minded travellers and contribute to the conservation of a natural treasure.
Normandy offered discounts on cultural attractions for ‘low-carbon’ travellers
In spring this year, the French region of Normandy introduced incentives to encourage planet-friendly travel.
ADVERTISEMENTThe ‘tarif bas-carbone’, meaning low-carbon tariff, offered discounts on admission to over 70 cultural sites and visitor attractions.
Tourists arriving by train, bus or bicycle could claim at least 10 per cent off entry prices by providing proof in the form of a public transport ticket or a photo of their bike.
Alpine ski resorts reward travellers who arrive by rail
Popular ski resorts Morzine and Via Lattea incentivised guests to arrive by train last winter with a series of discounts.
In the former, offers included 10 per cent off a Morzine-Avoriaz lift pass, 5-10 per cent off lessons and equipment hire with selected partners and 10 per cent off a massage with Mobile Mountain Massage.
ADVERTISEMENTIn Via Lattea, travellers arriving with Trenitalia, Italy’s state railway, received up to 25 per cent off daily, two-day and six-day ski passes.
The resorts have not yet announced if the offer will be repeated this winter season.
