Copenhagen, a city known for its progressive approach, has taken a bold step towards reshaping the global tourism industry with the launch of its new tourism strategy, aptly titled ‘All Inclusive.’ Unveiled during World Tourism Day, this strategy marks a significant turning point for the city and potentially for the entire travel sector.
Climate change is a pressing global issue, and tourism, responsible for nearly 8% of global CO2 emissions, is under increased scrutiny. Copenhagen’s ‘All Inclusive’ strategy aims to turn tourism into a driver of positive change, addressing its environmental impact while highlighting its potential benefits.
The Danish capital’s ambition is encapsulated in an innovative climate roadmap designed to drastically reduce emissions and mitigate the negative impacts of travel. This initiative reflects a larger shift in the travel industry, as destinations and businesses are increasingly rethinking their roles in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
Traditionally, all-inclusive tourism refers to vacation packages offering a one-size-fits-all approach to leisure, often involving hotels, food, and entertainment bundled together. Copenhagen, however, is reimagining this concept to encompass a broader, more socially and environmentally conscious meaning.
Rather than offering just a seamless ticket to relaxation, the ‘All Inclusive’ strategy redefines tourism as a shared responsibility between travelers, local communities, and the industry itself. Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, explains that the idea of tourism being ‘all-inclusive’ should also mean that it accounts for both the positive and negative impacts of travel.
While the benefits of tourism, such as cultural exchange, local economic growth, and social enrichment, are undeniable, the pressures it places on local communities and ecosystems must be addressed. Aarø-Hansen emphasizes that tackling CO2 emissions associated with travel, particularly air transport, and the strain on local infrastructure is crucial for tourism to become a key driver for positive global change.
At the heart of Copenhagen’s new tourism strategy lies its ambitious climate roadmap, which outlines specific targets for reducing the city’s tourism-related emissions by 2030 and 2035, with a broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Unlike many similar strategies in other destinations, Copenhagen’s roadmap includes emissions from air travel, often overlooked in tourism-related carbon calculations. This comprehensive approach sets a new standard for how destinations can address the environmental impacts of tourism.
One of the key initiatives under the roadmap is ‘CopenPay,’ a project that encourages both travelers and local attractions to adopt more sustainable practices. According to Aarø-Hansen, CopenPay has already demonstrated a genuine willingness among tourists and businesses alike to take greener actions. The challenge now lies in scaling up these efforts to ensure tangible progress in reducing tourism’s carbon footprint.
The roadmap outlines clear steps for how Copenhagen’s tourism industry can achieve these ambitious targets. This includes promoting green transport options, enhancing energy efficiency in hotels and attractions, and encouraging sustainable consumption among visitors. By taking concrete actions now, Copenhagen hopes to become a model for other cities and destinations worldwide that are looking to tackle the same challenges.
While the primary focus of the ‘All Inclusive’ strategy is to make Copenhagen the world’s most sustainable destination, the broader goal is to inspire other cities and countries to follow suit. Aarø-Hansen expresses hope that by aiming high, Copenhagen can create a healthy competition among destinations, pushing them to adopt greener practices and become more sustainable.
Copenhagen’s push for sustainability highlights the fact that tourism is a global business, and global cooperation is needed to make lasting change. Aarø-Hansen believes that Copenhagen has both the responsibility and the ability to lead this transformation, setting a benchmark for others to follow. If successful, this strategy could have far-reaching implications, encouraging international destinations to rethink their own tourism models.
From a traveler’s point of view, Copenhagen’s new tourism strategy represents a significant shift in the way destinations cater to visitors. Today’s tourists are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their trips, and many are actively seeking out destinations that align with their values of sustainability and responsible travel.
By promoting Copenhagen as the world’s most sustainable destination, the city positions itself as a leader in catering to this growing segment of eco-conscious travelers. Visitors to Copenhagen will experience a different kind of tourism, one that encourages them to be mindful of their environmental footprint. The city’s initiatives to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote green practices will likely enhance the overall experience for tourists who are looking to make more responsible choices. Additionally, the integration of cultural interactions and local engagement as a key component of the ‘All Inclusive’ strategy means that travelers will have more meaningful and enriching experiences, creating a deeper connection between visitors and the local community.
Copenhagen’s ‘All Inclusive’ strategy is a timely and necessary response to the growing environmental and social challenges that the tourism industry faces. As the number of international arrivals is expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, the industry must take decisive steps to reduce its negative impacts and become a force for good. Copenhagen’s new strategy provides a clear example of how cities can take proactive measures to address these issues, setting a new standard for sustainable tourism worldwide. As more destinations recognize the importance of sustainability in attracting modern travelers, Copenhagen’s approach could serve as a blueprint for how to integrate climate action into tourism development. The travel industry, in turn, will need to adapt, as travelers increasingly prioritize destinations that offer not only memorable experiences but also a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
Copenhagen’s ‘All Inclusive’ strategy is more than just a local initiative—it’s a call to action for the entire global travel industry. By rethinking the traditional concept of all-inclusive tourism and incorporating sustainability into every aspect of the travel experience, Copenhagen has set the stage for a new era of responsible tourism. With a clear roadmap to carbon neutrality and a focus on enriching cultural interactions, the city is leading the charge in transforming tourism into a force for good.
