The Copenhagen tourist website is probably the best example I’ve seen of a city promoting itself really well. Amsterdam has a pretty good one too, but too busy and lacking the clear voice of the Danish capital’s. I especially like the way that visit copenhagen includes streams of external content from instagram or twitter without losing their focus.
My other impression is of authenticity. Obviously, I realise that I am being sold something (Copenhagen), but it doesn’t feel outlandish or pushy. All the attractions or destinations are lovingly described in a way that actually lets me choose whether it fits what I want to do or see. For example:
“Have you met Aksel, Marko, Marcon, Ludvig, Bo and Louise? Experience Visit Carlsbergs impressive brewery horses close up in the stables, the forge or harnessed to the big beerwagons. See them have horseshoes put on and hop aboard the wagons for a tour around the old Carlsberg area.”
Not my thing for this weekend, but I can see how that could appeal to others. When I was a kid I would have been right up for it, without a doubt.
On the other hand:
“The Museum of Danish Resistance tells the story of Danish resistance during the Nazi occupation of Denmark from 1940 to 1945 and provides detailed information on the illegal press, sabotage, and the flight of many Danish Jews to Sweden.
Among the objects on exhibit are British propaganda leaflets, wireless sets and other examples of how Britain and Denmark managed to maintain contact during the war.”
Sounds amazing to me! Extremely depressing, for sure, but certainly a rich experience and one that ties into recent books, films and discussions that have come across my path recently. Unfortunately, the Resistance Museum is currently closed, but perhaps next time..
Perhaps you feel differently, but it seems to me that a diverse group of people who all love the city have put this site together. With a little Danish design thinking, they have produced something really lovely.