Is this the world's most sustainable tourism destination?

The Danish capital of Copenhagen has become an exemplar of sustainable city tourism.

Copenhagen has in total 397km of bicycle paths, a fleet of electric harbour ferries and a majority of the hotel rooms around town are eco-certified.

And you can loan a kayak for free if you will pick up some rubbish on journey journey.

Last year, the city launched a program named CopenPay. It is a pilot program where conscious actions became a currency, allowing visitors to earn free cultural experiences.

The program exceeded all expectations. During the initial four-week run, bike rentals increased by 29%, tonnes of litter were collected, and 98% of participants said they would recommend the initiative.

As a result, CopenPay is back again in 2025. The program more than tripled in size with 100 participating attractions across Copenhagen.

They include the National Museum, Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, the National Gallery of Denmark, GoBoat, Copenhill, the Urban Garden, and Donkey Republic bike rentals. The program will run through summer until August 17.

“By integrating more conscious actions into the visitor experience, CopenPay is redefining how we in Copenhagen approach tourism," says said Søren Tegen Pedersen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen.

"Rather than bringing more tourists to the city, the goal with CopenPay is to nudge our visitors and raise their awareness about the choices we make, when we travel - exploring Copenhagen more consciously while being rewarded with unique experiences.”

This year, CopenPay will reward visitors who arrive in Copenhagen by train with perks such as free bike rentals, yoga sessions, guided tours, or discounted entry to some of the city’s top attractions.

Passengers who purchase SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) for their flight or come by electric car are also eligible for these rewards.

Once tourists are in the city, CopenPay also urges them to stay longer and thereby altogether travel less - by rewarding longer stays.

“The biggest climate impact from tourism comes from transportation." Pedersen adds.

"So, this year, we encourage travellers to take the train to Copenhagen. Furthermore, we want visitors to travel less but stay longer. We then reward visitors who stay four days or more by offering benefits like free bike rentals or a vegetarian meal.”

He added that the initiative aligns with Copenhagen’s ambition to become number one on the global index of most sustainable urban destinations.

“Tourism must move from being an environmental burden to a force for positive change.

"With Copenpay, we aim to raise travellers’ awareness about choices and impact. At the same time, we provide our visitors with an easy and locally based way to contribute to our city. And hopefully, they will leave inspired - both for when they return home and on their next travel.”

The Copenhagen harbour has 10 public bathing zones, while GreenKayak (above) works to reduce the amount of garbage floating in coastal waters.

The idea is simple - get a free GreenKayak trip in return for collecting trash and sharing this on social media.

Other green initiatives in Copenhagen include offshore wind turbines in the Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden, an increasing number of electric busses, waste-removing initiatives and ‘green wave’ traffic lights for cyclists.

See https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/ and https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/

Images: Sankt Thomas Plaza and Green Kayak, Astrid Rasmussen/Daniel Rasmussen 

Bali bans small plastic water bottles

Bali has taken a major stop towards reducing plastic waste.

The holiday island's governor, Wayan Koster, has banned the production and manufacture of water in small plastic containers, newsletter Bali Update reports.

All plastic containers with capacities of less than one litre are included. The decree effectively ends the use of plastic cups of water, small drinking bottles, or half-litre water containers.

The Provincial Government of Bali said the move represented "a collective, systematic, integrated, and culturally based action to alleviate the growing trash problem".

The memorandum is intended to dramatically reduce plastic waste across six sectors: offices, traditional villages, businesses, hotels and restaurants, educational institutions, marketplaces, and places of worship.

The includes severe enforcement provisions. Sanctions include revocation of company permits and licenses and suspension of financial aid to traditional villages.

Conversely, community members who consistently support the program to eliminate one-time-use plastics will be given government incentives and rewards.

Governor Koster said the move would apply across the armed forces, the Indonesian police, village chiefs, community leaders, and community organisers.

“We must stop using single-use plastic and process waste starting from the source," Koster said. "Use compost, maggots, animal feed, or other modern systems. This is a collective movement, not just a campaign.

“Green hotels, green malls, green restaurants - that’s the future of Bali. If a destination is not environmentally friendly, don’t expect to be visited by international travellers.”

Tourists will now need to provide their own stainless steel drinking bottles.  

Forget that earthquake: tourists told to party on

Thailand is not about to let a minor inconvenience like an earthquake interfere with a festival that is one of its major tourism drawcards.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that Songkran celebrations nationwide will proceed as planned, assuring tourists that travel, transport, and hotels remain unaffected by last week's fatal quake.

TAT announced over the weekend that plans to hold grand Songkran (water festival) celebrations across the country would proceed as scheduled.

TAT said that after assessing the situation following Friday’s earthquake, it found that conditions in Bangkok and other parts of the country had returned to normal.

It noted that Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok continued to operate as usual, with airlines providing normal services.

Additionally, public transportation - particularly the electric railway services operated by BTSC and MRT - remained fully functional. Hotels and entertainment venues in key tourist destinations were also unaffected.

TAT reported that tourists had not cancelled their bookings, and tour group operators had not withdrawn reservations either, newspaper The Nation reported. 

It also confirmed that highways across the country remained undamaged and fully accessible for travel.
To ensure tourist safety, the TAT stated that it would seek cooperation from the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Public Works Department to inspect high-rise hotels.

The authority reassured the public that planned grand Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other locations would not be impacted.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is a nationwide celebration of Thai New Year taking place from early to mid-April across every region of the country.

More than 100 events will take place across Bangkok, where at least 18 people died as a result of the quake, and throughout the country. 

Each Thai location has its own blend of tradition and celebration - from rituals and temple fairs to music festivals and lively water fights - which can be very annoying as young locals arm themselves with giant water guns. 

Festival Highlights Include:

Maha Songkran World Water Festival, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok (April 11-15)
Songkran Music Festival, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (April 12-14)
Chiang Mai Songkran traditions (April 7-16))
Grand Isan Songkran Festival, Khon Kaen (April 8-15)
Coastal celebrations in Phuket, Songkhla, and Surat Thani
Cultural parades in Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani

Electric hydrofoil could be a game changer

An electric hydrofoil developed in New Zealand is being promoted as a "game changer" in the small ferry market. 

Marine technology outfit Vessev has showcased its VS-9 electric hydrofoil, complete with cabin and interior, for the first time as it enters the final phase of sea trials ahead of commercial certification.

Production of VS-9s has already began with the first vessel to set to enter commercial service with the largest ferry operator in New Zealand: Fullers360.

Vessey says the craft offers "unparalleled comfort, more similar to flying than power boating". 

The 9-metre craft can transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots. 

“Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake," says CEO Eric Laakmann. 

"By flying above the waves, the VS-9 delivers a large vessel experience on an agile platform that can be berthed and charged in nearly any marina.

“One way of looking at the impact of this vessel is that our waterways today are like roadways, where the only comfortable mode of transportation are very large multi-passenger buses: ie ferries. 

"These large vessels are here to stay, but they will be augmented with point-to-point services delivered by vessels such as the VS-9. It’s like introducing a limo into a world of buses.

“Through enhanced comfort and reduced operating costs, the VS-9 platform delivers an entirely new transportation experience that hasn’t truly been viable until today.

“In designing the VS-9 transportation configuration, we knew that we wanted to create something that highlights the unique advantages of technology. 

"She includes stylish seating for 10 where easy conversation can flow between guests while quietly gliding to their destination. The full-standing-height cabin also includes wraparound glass with panoramic views of the environment around them. 

"Our goal was to make sure the passengers of the VS-9 are connecting with only two things; those on the journey with them as well as their surroundings. We’ve accomplished exactly that.”

Vessev’s lead designer, Alain Brideson, said: “Our objective for the VS-9 was to create something that is beautifully utilitarian. 

"Using the tools of the premium automotive segment, every surface of the VS-9 has been carefully crafted to emanate quality. The entire exterior harmoniously embeds functionality into a clean and balanced form. The interior was all about reducing to the bare essentials and ensuring the cabin is open and flowing.”

Uber launches more luxury experiences on the water

Rideshare operative and food deliverer Uber is expanding its operations with new offerings of luxe boat services at some of Europe’s top holiday destinations.

Uber Boat is, for instance, launching its service on the party island of Ibiza with Uber Yacht to debut in August.

Uber users will be able to pre-book a private yacht for day use on the Uber app, Travel Mole reports.

The Uber Yacht vessel will depart from Ibiza Town Marina daily at 12pm.

The Sunseeker yacht is available for groups of up to eight people, and priced at €200 per head

Each yacht cruise lasts eight hours with a dedicated skipper, Champagne and snacks.

It will be available to pre-book via Uber Reserve from July 26 with a minimum of 24 hours notice.

Uber is also launching an innovative ‘Limo Boat’ on-demand service to get visitors around Venice. It will costs €120 per trip for up to six people and is bookable on demand.

Uber Boat in Greece will expand from Mykonos to Athens, Corfu and Santorini, also bookable on the Uber app while in Paris this summer a River Seine cruise by an all-electric boat is available on the app.

It comprises a private Champagne cruise tour passing iconic monuments like the Notre Dame, The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

Data from summer 2023, shows demand from international customers for Uber mobility services increased by up to 55% in places like Greece and Spain.

More than 6.5 million international visitors used the Uber app in Europe’s top destinations last summer.

Anabel Diaz, vice-president EMEA Mobility at Uber, said: “This summer we are adding a series of bucket-list-worthy nautical experiences to the Uber app in some of Europe’s hottest destinations.”

Availability of Uber Yacht, Uber Cruise, and all other Uber Boat trips will be limited and subject to weather conditions.

Meet the drink vending machine that offers more choice - and helps the environment

Ever wished you could craft your own drink - and help save the planet from single-use plastic bottles?

Meet Refilled, a Sydney-based start-up that hopes to eventually end the sale of beverages sold in single-use plastic bottles in vending machines.

Starting at sites including Google HQ Sydney, UTS and the University of Sydney, its Refillers are plastic-free vending machine that can be used by anyone with a reusable bottle.

The company hopes to install 100 units around Australia by 2024, aiming to capitalise on the trend of reusable bottles and by giving people more flavour variety and nutritional options than just plain water on tap.

The Refillers are described as "a cross between a fridge and a giant soda stream" and offer chilled still and sparkling drinks in a range of flavours with the ability to add optional boosters such as caffeine, vitamins, and nootropics.

The founders say over 891 billion single-use plastic bottles are produced worldwide every year and fewer than 20% are ever recycled, which makes vending machines a major source of plastic pollution.

A single Refiller can stock 10x more beverages than a typical vending machine so it can also reduce waste and delivery emissions.

Refilled is tracking the number of bottles is has saved in real time, and has created reusable bottles with QR codes that can be scanned at the Refiller and used to pay for drinks – no card, phone or cash required.

To date, Refilled has raised $600k through angel investors and Melt Ventures, an impact VC Fund. It is seeking an additional $1.5 million in its next funding round.

“Refilled is transforming the ordinary, everyday act of drinking water into climate action," says co-founder and CEO Ryan Nelson.

"Most people have good intentions and want to do good for the planet, but not everyone can afford to buy an electric vehicle or install solar panels.

"Armed with just a reusable bottle and a couple of bucks, our Refillers offer an affordable, achievable way to eliminate plastic pollution. If we can replace even a fraction of drinks vending machines, which are an outrageous source of plastic waste, we will stop millions of plastic bottles going to landfill.”

For more info see https://www.refilled.com.au/

Hotel guests can hydrate to help the homeless

With homelessness becoming a major problem in Australia, one hotel group has moved to help the situation.

Guests staying at Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites can now "hydrate for humanity" by purchasing Mount Franklin water during their stay, with a dollar from the sale of each bottle donated to Habitat for Humanity Australia and Habitat for Humanity New Zealand as part of the Oaks Giving Tree program.

Each bottle features branded neck tags, with all funds raised supporting Habitat for Humanity’s vital work building homes for the disadvantaged.

“Our Hydrate for Humanity activity with Mount Franklin and Habitat for Humanity further elevates our work as part of the Oaks Giving Tree Program, in providing support to low-income families facing adverse circumstances.” said Craig Hooley, chief operating officer for Minor Hotels Australia and New Zealand.

The neck tagged Mount Franklin water bottles are now available at every Oaks property throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Habitat for Humanity Australia and Habitat for Humanity New Zealand are key charity partner of Oaks Hotels. 

The organisation works with vulnerable people in communities to provide them a safe, secure place to call home - including those impacted by natural disasters, people with disabilities and their carers, indigenous Australians and those fleeing family violence.

Another layer of Oaks Hotels’ partnership with Habitat for Humanity the opportunity for Oaks Hotels’ employees to volunteer with renovations, landscaping, gardening, and minor repairs on Habitat for Humanity building sites.

See www.oakshotels.com