Socialist group in Alicante proposes regulating motorhome tourism

At the upcoming plenary session, the Socialist Municipal Group will suggest that the requisite procedures be initiated to establish a motorhome car park in Alicante that is adequately equipped. Additionally, the group will advocate for the completion of a feasibility study to ascertain the most appropriate location, the requisite technical specifications, the investment and maintenance costs, and potential sources of funding. Socialist Councillor Trini Amorós emphasised the necessity of advancing with this project in order to rectify the current situation, which is characterised by the failure to regulate the tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to the local economy, and the resulting issues related to a lack of regulation.

“The Easter tourism campaign has just concluded, and the governing team of Barcala has been unable to resolve an issue that has been lingering since 2021, when the designated area on San Juan beach was dismantled.” Amorós underscored that the absence of the necessary services for this form of tourism, including parking, water, and electricity connections, has resulted in a significant number of drivers parking in urban areas, which has caused inconveniences in specific neighbourhoods.

In particular, the proposal that will be presented at the plenary session on Thursday will involve the development of a study that considers user requirements, environmental impact, landscape integration, and proximity to tourist services. Therefore, the registered institutional declaration encourages the necessary dialogue with motorhome associations and groups, through the appropriate municipal departments, to ascertain their opinions and requirements regarding the design and administration of the future parking lot. The objective is to allocate a budget to finance the creation and implementation of the motorhome parking lot in the upcoming municipal budget, following the completion of the feasibility study and the definition of the project’s characteristics.

The absence of a designated parking area and overnight accommodations for motorhomes is resulting in issues such as illicit parking, which occasionally contravenes existing regulations. It is crucial to underscore that motorhome users necessitate fundamental services, including wastewater disposal points, potable water supplies, and, in certain instances, electrical connections. The absence of these facilities can make their stay challenging and may promote unhygienic or environmentally harmful practices.

The absence of an authorised space is a missed economic opportunity, as motorhome tourism is a burgeoning niche market with substantial economic potential in Alicante, which benefits local commerce and hospitality. Additionally, it would mitigate the indiscriminate parking of motorhomes, thereby enhancing the appearance of our municipality and the quality of life in our community. This would attract a specific type of visitor who is environmentally conscious and has a substantial average daily expenditure, thereby enhancing the municipality’s reputation.