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Denmark offers cheap trains and free ferries to boost domestic tourism

Ritzau/The Local
Ritzau/The Local - [email protected]
Denmark offers cheap trains and free ferries to boost domestic tourism
A ferry leaves Kulhuse harbour on the way to Sølager. Photo: Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix

Denmark's government has announced plans to once again heavily subsidise train, buses and ferries across Denmark to boost domestic tourism this summer.

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As part of a 1.65bn kroner "summer package" agreed by a broad majority of parliamentary parties, the government is bringing back a scheme through which ferry operators will offer free trips to Denmark's smaller islands, and also between Bornholm and the Swedish city of Ystad for cyclists, pedestrians and handicapped drivers.

"There is no doubt that last year's free ferry journeys were a great success," Benny Engelbrecht, Denmark's Minister of Transport, said in a press release. "Over a million passengers took advantage of the offer last summer, and I am therefore satisfied that the parties to the agreement have agreed to offer Danes those opportunities again this year." 

Unlike in last year's summer package, ferry operators will be able to decide which departures are free, which is aimed at ensuring that the ferries do not become so crowded that the local islanders cannot travel. 

The government is also bringing back the popular Travel Pass or Rejsepas, which will be valid between June 27th and August 9th, and will allow holders unlimited travel on DSB and Arriva trains, and on buses, metro services, local rail and light rail across the country. 

The pass will cost 399 kroner for adults and 199 kroner for those between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. According to a press release from the Ministry of Transport, 66,000 Travel Passes will be issued.'

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The package was agreed between the Social Democratic government, its support parties the Social Liberal Party, Socialist Left Party and Red-Green Alliance, and with the opposition Liberal, Danish People's Party, Conservative Party and the Alternativet party. 

Restaurants will also be able to apply for grants of up to 35,000 kroner to provide discounts or hold activities to attract tourists.

 

 

 

 

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