Saturday, October 5, 2024 In the wake of World Tourism Day on September 27, Copenhagen is positioning itself at the forefront of a movement that aims to reshape the travel industry, making it more sustainable and socially impactful. The Danish capital, through its tourism board Wonderful Copenhagen, has outlined a bold strategy for 2024-2030 that seeks to establish tourism as a “force for good.” This approach tackles both the environmental challenges posed by the industry and the need for more meaningful interactions between visitors and local communities.
At a time when the tourism sector contributes nearly 8% of global CO2 emissions and is growing at a rate of 6% annually, Copenhagen’s initiative offers a much-needed blueprint for creating a more conscious and engaged travel experience. Wonderful Copenhagen’s CEO, Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, has emphasized that the traditional model of tourism—centered on passive enjoyment and consumption—needs a radical shift. Instead, Aarø-Hansen suggests, tourism should engage travelers in more meaningful ways that are both environmentally and socially responsible.
He has made it clear that the negative impacts of tourism, especially the CO2 emissions from transportation, cannot be ignored in any plan to reform the industry. However, Aarø-Hansen also highlights the numerous positive aspects of tourism that need to be amplified. These include cultural exchanges, which create enriching experiences for both tourists and locals, and t.
