Lagos looks to banish illegal and wild motorhome practices

The Municipality of Lagos has approved the final proposal for the “Study of Planning for the Practice of Self-Caravanning in the Municipality of Lagos”, which will enable the municipality to manage this tourist activity efficiently, namely with regard the installation of new infrastructures and facilities for caravanners, whether public or private.

“The document is the culmination of a work that began with a survey, characterisation and diagnosis and, in a second phase, the identification of the territorial potential for the practice of motorhoming, which takes into account the need to safeguard of patrimonial, natural and landscape values, the sustainable use of resources, as well as the perspectives and interests of social and economic development of the municipality “.
The study predicts that “the potential for caravanning (caravans and motorhomes)  in Portugal will increase by 50% in the next ten years.

The proposal has involved assessing the areas with the greatest potential for the location of Camping and Caravan Parks (PCC) and Motorhome Service Areas (ASA), classifying them in four classes: Priority, Opportunity, Negotiable and Critical.

Regarding the types of facilities to be created, with regard to the Camping and Caravan Parks, these may be related to the themes “Sun and Sea”, “Eco resorts” and “Rural Camping Parks”, aiming to allow the combination of caravanning with other activities in rural environment, such as agribusiness, wine tourism, fishing, hiking, cycling, etc.
Motorhome Service Areas may be themed as “Urban”, “Cultural and natural heritage”, and “Rural”, depending on their location. There will be defined “Parking Spaces”, commercial areas, fuel pumps /service stations and picnic parks on site.

Combating the illegal and wild practices of caravanning and motorhoming, minimising its harmful effects, and maximising the advantages and benefits that it can generate by the strengthening of local and regional tourism, are the main objectives of this study, which intends to focus on Lagos as one of the most sustainable and inclusive tourist destinations.

The strategy also recommends the modernisation and qualification of the existing facilities and the definition of minimum requirements and services provided at these PCC’s and ASA’s.

Original article available in Portuguese at http://postal.pt/