Denmark is looking to make camper van tourism more sustainable by implementing new regulations to address issues such as parking in natural areas, obstructed views, and littering. The country saw 2.3 million camper van overnight stays in 2022, with the number expected to continue growing.
Local municipalities and tourist organizations are working together to create a more welcoming environment for tourists while benefiting economically and minimizing negative impacts on the local community. The CEO of Visit Northwest Coast, Peter Krusborg Pedersen, describes the current situation as the ‘Wild West’ due to a lack of regulations.
In an effort to encourage responsible behavior, Copenhagen is offering rewards to well-behaved tourists who choose to ride a bike, take public transport, or participate in activities like gardening or rubbish collection. Visitors who bring a reusable coffee cup to select venues can receive a free brew.
Mikkel Aarø-Hansen of Wonderful Copenhagen emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between tourism and local communities to create a more mutually beneficial relationship. By incentivizing sustainable actions and implementing new regulations for camper van tourism, Denmark hopes to improve the overall tourism experience for both visitors and locals.
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