Berlin tourists could earn rewards by collecting rubbish

Tourists in Berlin will in future be able to earn small rewards by picking up rubbish or travelling in a sustainable fashion, according to the Visit Berlin tourism agency.

The programme, called "BerlinPay," is set to launch this summer, with a focus this year on the city's waterways, the agency's website says.

"We are making responsible behaviour more visible and rewarding it. Those who act consciously at and on the water — for example by collecting litter, sprucing up the neighbourhood or supporting social projects — will receive recognition from participating partners: small benefits or special Berlin experiences," said the website, which targets potential sponsors.

Visit Berlin is still looking for partners - such as restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions - which can take part in the scheme and help tourists receive their rewards.

Visit Berlin said it was not yet ready to share details of partners who were already involved. The full programme is to be officially presented in mid-May.

The model for BerlinPay is a concept from the Danish capital, "CopenPay." Under that scheme, tourists can receive benefits such as free boat trips or bicycle rentals if they can demonstrate, for example, that they travelled by train rather than by plane or have otherwise behaved sustainably.