Denmark cracks down on overtourism with camper regulations | World

There is outrage in seaside towns as tourists arriving in campervans block all views and leave rubbish behind.

Denmark joins many other European tourist destinations, such as Venice and Tenerife, that are facing the challenge of overtourism.

The coastline is often visited by tourists in their vans who park on the beaches, causing conflicts with locals. Problems include excessive parking in natural areas, obstructed views and littering.

According to VisitDenmark, 2.3 million overnight stays in campers were recorded in 2022, and this number is expected to continue to grow.

Over the past five years, the number of campers in Denmark has increased by 27 percent. This includes a large increase in the number of foreign campers coming to the country.

Now the country wants to make RV tourism more sustainable, hoping it will make the issue a less controversial source of income.

The chief executive of tourism company Visit Nordvestkysten, Peter Krusborg Pedersen, told EuroNews that the lack of regulations makes the region feel like the Wild West for both campervan tourists and local authorities.

He added that there is too little information for tourists, which can make it difficult for holidaymakers to make decisions, such as where to park.

The regulations include a parking ban in certain areas, providing more information to camper tourists and designating designated parking spaces.

Tourism organisations, local governments and campsites want to adopt a new approach that will make tourists feel welcome and allow the country to reap the economic benefits of tourism without having a negative impact on the local community.

This is because Copenhagen has decided to reward well-behaved tourists. Visitors who behave responsibly include those who choose to cycle, use public transport, pick up rubbish and use reusable cups.

The rewards will be both financial and other incentives. The official tourism board of Wonderful Copenhagen says it wants to find a way to create a more mutually beneficial and less burdensome relationship between tourists and locals.

Do you have a story you think we should cover? If so, please contact us by emailing [email protected]