South Tyrol Camping Uprising: Entire Valley in Fervor - Camper Residents Counterattack
In the picturesque valley of Pustertal, South Tyrol, a contentious issue has arisen: wild camping. Mayor Friedrich Mittermair of Prags describes the current situation as a "catastrophe," with countless motorhomes crowding the most beautiful spots in the valley.
The South Tyrol Camper Club, however, distances itself from the rule-breaking behavior of individual campers. Enzo Coco, the president of the club, clarifies that campervanners are not vagrants, but rather a demographic that can contribute positively to the local economy.
Coco proposes a more constructive approach to addressing the issue of wild camping. He suggests that South Tyrol should develop a system of motorhome parking spaces, similar to those found in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. This, he believes, would alleviate the problem while still accommodating campervanners.
Local residents in South Tyrol are understandably angry about the situation. Garbage, toilet use, and tents are among the main complaints. However, Coco notes that targeting a category of tourists in a country where tourism is significant is short-sighted. His campervanners, he argues, are generally considered to have purchasing power and contribute to local economies by visiting attractions, buying local products, and dining at local restaurants.
The South Tyrol Camper Club has responded to the debate about wild camping. They do not view campervanners as a problematic demographic. In fact, they distance themselves from the non-compliant wild campers who are causing issues for municipalities. These non-compliant campers face fines between 100 and 500 euros.
Mayors in South Tyrol are demanding strict new laws to address the issue. Dominik Oberstaller, the mayor of Welsberg-Taisten, wants laws that give municipalities the necessary tools to act against wild camping. He, like Mittermair, sees the current situation as a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.
As the debate continues, it is clear that a balance must be struck between the needs of the local residents and the rights of the campervanning community. Coco's proposal for motorhome parking spaces may provide a viable solution, but more discussions are needed to ensure the needs of all parties are met.
The South Tyrol Camper Club's president, Enzo Coco, advocates for a change in the region's approach to wild camping, suggesting the development of motorhome parking spaces to alleviate the issue and cater to the campervanning lifestyle, thereby contributing positively to the local economy.
However, the current situation in South Tyrol, where wild camping is causing discontent among local residents, necessitates a balance between addressing their concerns and accommodating the travel preferences of the campervanning community, particularly in home-and-garden and travel contexts.
