Sustainable caravaning tourism: Cooperation for nature conservation in Germany

an outcry of nature! The large associations in Germany bundle their strength and aim at a green future for caravaning tourism!

The Association of German Nature Parking e. V. (vdn e. V.), the conceptual carrier for German natural treasures, and the Caravaning Industry Association e. V. (CIVD) together want to revolutionize the world of pleasure of the caravaning. Against the background that more and more people love freedom on four wheels, a sensational cooperation has formed that reaches for the most beautiful natural areas in the country.

revolution in caravaning tourism

The numbers are alarming and at the same time exciting: In 2023 there were over 68 million overnight stays from vacationers in the motorhome in Germany and record sales of 19.5 billion euros were achieved! The Germans push into the outside, with a clear commitment to nature and their protection. A GfK study shows that the closeness to nature for travelers not only comes first in everyday life, but also on vacation.

The national natural landscapes that extend over 104 nature and national parks and 18 biosphere reserves are the focus of this brand new cooperation. This versatile beauty magically attracts caravaning guests. But the challenge is obvious: it is important to reconcile the nature experience with the protection of our valuable environment!

sustainability as the top priority

The goal of this cooperation is clear: creation of an attractive and above all sustainable caravaning offer. Innovative parking spaces should not only cover the comfort of travelers, but also promote awareness of nature conservation. The associations speak of a vision: caravaning in harmony with nature, an adventure that does not require compromises and at best makes the beauty of Germany even more tangible!

In the next two years, numerous pilot projects will be launched to test and promote practical solution. The Biosphere region Elbe-Schaalsee in particular becomes a test area for a new concept that is supposed to reduce the pressure of the growing caravaning trend. The focus is on the problems of the wildcamp and the overload of protected areas.

In addition, a comprehensive study was commissioned, which shows ways how the sensitive natural spaces can be better protected by targeted steering of caravaning tourism. The highlight: decentralized parking spaces should be designed in an appealing manner in order to control the number of users efficiently.

The reports from this unique cooperation between NNL e. V., vdn e. V., and CIVD promise nothing less than a green revolution in caravaning tourism that links the treasures of the nature of the country with a contemporary travel experience!