The spokesperson for Ciudadanos, Beatriz Camiña, argued that these vehicles consume much less water than other tourists.
“If we want to have more quality tourism, I don’t understand why the activity is not regulated,” she said, adding that the aim of the motion is to provide “legal certainty”.
The island’s councillor for Territorial Planning, Maria Antònia Garcías, pointed out that caravans are not considered a tourist activity.
That said, there is no denying that motor homes, caravans and camping are becoming more popular and is an important tourism activity in the rest of Europe, including mainland Spain and therefore they can not be ignored.
Two meetings have already been held with local councils and the Council of Mallorca has made it clear that it will provide what help is required in enabling councils to set aside what will eventually become campsites.
The news has been welcomed by residents’ associations in various parts of the island where caravans are “parking up” illegally in residential areas, not to mention front line roads along the coast causing serious problems.
In the long term, camping could become another niche market in Mallorca if property managed.
5 comments
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Marvin Le MartianYes, understand what your saying about the freedom bit, personally I don’t get the caravan park thing at all. I still have nightmares of holidaying at them as a kid in Scarborough. But it was that or stay at home in those days. I like beds that’s level and stay still and other pleasantries available in civilisation. I realise roads on the island are a lot better than when I started visiting and driving on the island. But the size of these vans particularly on the roads in the mountains and west side. I remember spending many miles behind the Aqua tankers back in the day. I know it some years since I drove on the island, I normally take taxis now.but I think some of the vans are just to large for some of the islands roads. Particularly if in high numbers of vehicles are allowed.
It seems to me that the whole point of having a camper van is to have the freedom to go where you want and be self sufficient enough to rock up anywhere you fancy. The last place I’d want to spend my time is at a trailer park/ campsite. That’s why I think Mallorca is not the natural habitat for them, but if people have forked out 50 grand or so for one and then park up in a regulated campsite, great. It doesn’t seem to be the point of having one, as a holiday maker. But I do know of them being used as alternatives to having a fixed home and then we are entering the realms of having nomadic traveller communities. A different kettle of fish entirely!
Marvin Le MartianI not sure, but that van looks like the one parked in the pagurea playa 5 camera shot all winter. Holiday camping is one thing, but like you I doubt Majorca is large enough for trailer parks. I personally think many of the camper vans in Mallorca are alternate lifestyle accommodation. Not really holidaymakers. Portugals south has many of these vehicles parked up in beach car parks all winter. They are like little shantytowns.
Marvin Le MartianThere is plenty of room in Mallorca for campsites. And anyone who thinks camper vans are not 'quality tourism' obviously doesn't know how much these things cost. No doubt there will be objections, as the money from campsites won't end up in the pockets of the corporate hoteliers, who seem to control what is allowed or not on the island.
Mallorca is a far too compact and crowded little island for camper vans and the like. New Zealand, for sure, but here? Nope. And how they might add to the quality tourism mantra is a stretch of the imagination too. But in this economic climate it’s easy to understand why, so yes, regulate it.