A city-owned payment system can be adapted to countless local strategies — from economic revitalization of city areas to social inclusion projects. Here are some inspiring examples.
#1 Mitigating negative Effects of Overtourism
The social and economic problems for the local population caused by overtourism can be mitigated with a tourist solidarity levy. Tourists pay a daily amount in addition to existing tourist taxes and the money is redistributed to local residents. They can spend with the money in local shops, bars and grocery stores.
The model is processed via the stadtguthaben®-system, a QR code-based, closed city payment network. It is easy to implement, cost-effective, transparent, and managed by the city or region itself.
Support Residents – Strengthen Local Businesses – Keep the Money Local!
#2 Welcome bonus for new skilled workers
PROBLEM: Many smaller towns and rural areas lack skilled workers and specialists. Young people are drawn to larger cities, where there are more jobs and things to do. As a result, many cities and regions lack young talent and young people and become overaged.
SOLUTION: With a welcome bonus for new residents, affected cities offer financial incentives to attract young people. With the stadtguthaben® system, the money even remains in the local area.
EXAMPLE “Come and live in Varese” (ITALY): The city of Varese pays anyone under the age of 40 who moves to Varese and has an active job contract with a local company EUR 2,000 per year for three years, a total of EUR 6,000.
EFFECTS: The model is attracting skilled workers, halting overaging, keeping the money local, strengthening local purchasing power through overpayment, displaying local businesses, and showing transparency regarding the use of money.
More Use Case Examples
Economic Development & Retail
- Local Gift Cards – the attractive local alternative to big-brand vouchers.
- Seasonal Campaigns – “Back to the City” or “Shop Local Weeks” that reward residents for supporting nearby businesses.
- Economic Push – subsidized vouchers to encourage local shopping.
- Neighborhood Revitalization – bonuses to attract foot traffic to specific districts.
Tourism & Culture
- City Experience Cards – Visitors receive prepaid cards to spend at local attractions, keeping tourism revenue local.
- Event Vouchers – Temporary networks for festivals or Christmas markets, simplifying cashless payments for short-term vendors.
- Cultural Passes – Combine local culture and commerce: pay for museum entries and nearby restaurants with one card.
Social & Public Initiatives
- Employee Benefits – tax-free vouchers as part of public employee programs.
- Social Inclusion – Prepaid cards for targeted support (e.g. food or clothing).
- Emergency Relief Tools – Rapidly distributing funds to citizens in case of local crises.
Innovation & Engagement
- Local Gamification – Reward citizens for participating in civic challenges (e.g., volunteering, attending local events) or gamified city engagement campaigns.
- Participatory Budgeting – Distribute micro-credits that residents can “vote” with by spending them on preferred local projects.
Smart City Integration
- Public Transport Integration – Combine with mobility passes or parking apps.
- Data Insights – Use transaction data to understand local spending behavior.
And Many More. We Provide The Instrument, You Play On It!