The Cultural and Recreational Association of Motorhomes for Lanzarote and the El Burgao Caravan Association have sent a letter to the president of the Cabildo, María Dolores Corujo, in which they demand the "immediate" opening of the Papagayo campsite, which "has been closed for more than a year."
"All campsites and areas are operating normally throughout the Canary Islands, with Lanzarote being the only island without areas and with the campsite closed, and probably one of the few in Spain", these two groups point out, claiming to have 1,100 members between them.
In their letter, they also state that "the Papagayo car park has been used for many months without any kind of service, and without any type of episode that had health consequences within the framework of Covid." They also point out that "Lanzarote already has 50% of the population over 50 years of age with at least one dose of the vaccine and an incidence in constant downward trend."
The caravan associations recall that "the summer season is about to begin" and claim to have had "several meetings" with the government group of the Cabildo, in which they claim to have been told "verbally that the camping area would be open for these dates." However, they point out that "the truth" today is that they have had "no" response.
A capacity of 50% and without toilets or electricity
Thus, they have addressed the president of the Cabildo to respond "to a historical demand" and "to be able to have a place enabled for caravans, motorhomes and approved camper vans." In this regard, they propose that the Cabildo staff directly manage the Papagayo camping area, establishing a reservation system through a "website, app and/or dataphone at the area's reception."
Likewise, they propose that the capacity be limited to 50%, "respecting the current security measures against Covid" and that there be no toilets, each vehicle having to "have its own bathroom." They also propose that the campsite be opened without electricity, pointing out that each vehicle must "have its sustainable energy supply"; and that private security be limited to "afternoons-nights and weekends." Regarding the fee, although they believe that it should be
Among the arguments they use for its "immediate opening" they argue that it would be "an outdoor activity with limited capacity" and that it would be a "totally sustainable activity, since housing vehicles do not require extra services, such as water or electricity."
They also highlight its "economic profitability." "Currently, the camping area represents an expense of more than 100,000 euros to public coffers. With the payment of a fee per day of parking, sufficient income can be generated to cover security and maintenance costs," they point out. In addition, the caravan associations point to the "technical viability", since "direct management does not require complex administrative processing."
Finally, they mention the statements made by the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, on May 10, in which he assured that "Spain is only 100 days away from achieving group immunity" with respect to Covid.
More than 1,500 vehicles without a place to camp
The caravaners recall that the Papagayo camping area has "236 places in a space of about 30,000 square meters and has a parking space of more than 15,000 square meters". "In the current island planning, it is the only space enabled for motorhomes, caravans and camper vans", add from the Cultural and Recreational Association of Motorhomes for Lanzarote and the El Burgao Caravan Association
"We have been working for many years for the consolidation of this camping area, as well as for the implementation of new parking, camping and/or camping areas", continue the caravan associations, which state that "only on our island there are more than 1,500 fully autonomous vehicles that do not have an appropriate space to develop this quality tourist activity, which is associated with people with a medium-high socioeconomic level. "A motorhome couple spends an average of 100 euros per day and a family of 4 people approximately 150 euros, which are poured into local businesses," they say.
In addition, they recall that the Parliament of the Canary Islands approved on November 29, 2020 a non-law proposal, "which promotes the creation of service areas for a limited time, for the parking and overnight stay of motorhomes, housing vehicles and campervans."
For all this, they demand "to be able to have the possibility of enjoying a hobby as sustainable, respectful and currently with fewer risks of contagion as caravanning."
