BerlinPay Pilot Project Concludes with Positive Results

Berlin, 16 June 2026 – The BerlinPay pilot project came to a successful close this weekend after four weeks in operation. Running from 14 May to 14 June, the initiative by visitBerlin combined sustainable engagement with unique Berlin experiences. Initial findings indicate high levels of satisfaction among participants, partners and the media. BerlinPay attracted participation in the four-figure range and was well received by both Berlin residents and visitors to the city.

“The past four weeks have shown that both our guests and Berliners enjoyed discovering Berlin’s waterways and waterfronts from a fresh perspective while also doing something positive for the city,” said Sabine Wendt, Managing Director of visitBerlin. “We would like to thank all participants and our tourism partners who helped make this project possible. The positive response encourages us to further develop BerlinPay in the future.”

Under the slogan ‘Do Good for Good’, around 40 Berlin-based businesses and initiatives offered a programme focused on sustainable water tourism. Participants who took part in activities such as watering trees, travelling to Berlin using climate-friendly transport, attending workshops on water, the environment and sustainability, or collecting litter, were rewarded with special experiences or complimentary gifts. Particularly popular were clean-up kayak tours and hands-on activities on and around the water. Several events sold out early or added extra dates due to high demand. Among the most popular offers were those provided by Kayak Berlin Tours, Reederei Fangrot and the Van Loon restaurant ship. Alongside visitors from Germany and abroad, many Berlin residents also took advantage of the programme.

Initial findings from the evaluation, which has recently commenced, indicate a high level of satisfaction among participants. All respondents rated the initiative positively, and nine out of ten said they would take part in BerlinPay again. Three quarters reported having learned something new through their participation. Participants particularly valued the opportunity to discover Berlin from new perspectives while actively contributing to the city. One participant praised the project for offering “a special and different view of Berlin from the water”, while another described BerlinPay as “a great way to work together to make Berlin an even better place”.

Positive Feedback from the Tourism Industry
Participating partners have also drawn an encouraging initial conclusion. Several reported fully booked activities, strong demand and highly engaged participants. Canoe tour operator Canoa Berlin summed up its experience as being “very satisfied”. The initiative a tip described BerlinPay as “a wonderful way to encourage people to take an interest in sustainability”. The feedback highlights the project’s considerable potential.

International Attention
BerlinPay attracted attention far beyond the German capital. Media outlets from Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia reported on the Berlin pilot project. British newspaper The Telegraph travelled to Berlin specifically to cover BerlinPay and reached a positive conclusion: “As for BerlinPay, I very much hope the project continues after this trial period and that other cities follow suit. The idea is remarkably good: well organised, beneficial to all parties, easily accessible and enjoyable. A form of straightforward voluntourism.”

International correspondents from Spain, France and South America also participated in activities and experienced the concept first-hand. Media coverage described BerlinPay as an innovative approach to sustainable tourism. Reporting via Le Figaro/AFP wrote: “The aim is to encourage a change in mindset: Berlin is now also seeking to reward environmentally conscious tourists.” The Independent highlighted that Berlin “rewards sustainable behaviour among visitors”, while The Times described BerlinPay as a model for responsible tourism on Berlin’s waterways.

BerlinPay was inspired by Copenhagen’s CopenPay initiative. Together with local partners, visitBerlin further developed the concept and adapted it for the German capital. The project’s objective is to make sustainable behaviour more visible and encourage people to actively contribute to the preservation and quality of life of their travel destination. The concept has since become a permanent programme in Copenhagen.

The results of the Berlin pilot project, implemented in cooperation with the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and 40 partner organisations, are currently being evaluated. Based on these findings, the project partners will assess how the concept can be further developed and continued in 2027.

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