Unique scheme: Picking up litter can earn free sightseeing tickets in Berlin

KOMPAS.com - Berlin, Germany is presenting an unusual tourism innovation. Now tourists who pick up litter can receive free sightseeing tickets around the city of Berlin. This tourism inspiration named ‘Berlin Pay’ aims to encourage environmentally friendly behaviour while offering enjoyable holidays for visitors. According to Euronews, anyone can participate in the project. The method is that tourists can collect litter or join the environmental care project, and as a reward they can travel with Berlin’s city tourism partners. This idea is not the first; previously the concept of tourism that increases environmental awareness has been implemented in Copenhagen. This year, the German capital has adopted a theme of water tourism. So for those who can collect litter, help beautify the environment, or support social projects, they will receive recognition from participating partners in the form of small facilities or special experiences in Berlin. Berlin continues to seek companies and institutions that have links to Berlin’s water landscape such as mobility providers, water sports operators, restaurants, as well as cultural and educational institutions. The plan for ‘Berlin Pay’ is set to begin in July 2026. The project is supported by the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises of Berlin. Even in cases of serious violations, citizens who discard cigarette butts carelessly must pay a fine of €3,000. For large waste, the offender faces fines of around €11,000–€15,000. But after looking at Copenhagen’s waste-care system named ‘CopenPay’, Berlin is attempting to adapt and hopes the outcome will point in a positive direction as in Copenhagen. In Copenhagen itself, tourists who care about the environment will receive rewards such as boat trips and free boat rentals. Over the last two years Copenhagen has rewarded tourists for environmentally conscious behaviour. According to surveys, this initiative has successfully encouraged 70 percent of tourists to start behaving in an environmentally friendly manner.