Campen runs and runs, it is the most stable form of travel in these troubled times. The Federal Association of the Camping Industry in Germany assumes for 2022 that, if the federal government implements the opening steps and bans on accommodation are avoided, the number of overnight stays can even be expected to return to a pre-corona level – around the all-time record of 2019 with 35.8 million to trump overnight stays.
Already in 2021, the campsites in Germany counted almost 33 million overnight stays, despite the corona-related long-lasting ban on tourist overnight stays. August even set a new record with almost 9.5 million overnight stays.
Camping is also a trend among politicians. The President of the Federal Association for the Camping Industry, who was newly elected in March, also has a caravan. It is the SPD member of the Bundestag Stefan Zierke, 51, from Brandenburg. Born in Prenzlau, he has been a member of the German Bundestag since 2013 and has also been spokesman for the Brandenburg SPD members of the Bundestag since 2015. When he took office, he said: “As a caravan owner, I’ve been a passionate camper for years and I’m happy to represent this important and great industry on a voluntary basis”.
The trained toolmaker and tourism specialist was managing director of Tourismus-Marketing Uckermark for many years. He has been married since 1996, has a daughter and a son and describes himself as very attached to his homeland: “All my life I have lived in my private and political homeland – the Uckermark. In the time that I have left after my political commitment, I like to hike in our beautiful nature with my dog and family, I usually go dancing with my wife – and I prefer to vacation in a caravan.”
WORLD: How can we imagine how the new president of the Bundesverband für Campingwirtschaft eV goes camping? Set up the awning from the caravan, then a game of skat?
Stefan Zierke: In fact, I like to play cards in the awning. Otherwise, it’s time to enjoy the peace and unwind. If I only go outside for a short time, then I like to stay in my home country – the Uckermark.
The campsite in Thomsdorf in Boitzenburger Land is my first port of call. I used to go there with my parents when I was a kid. This is very close to nature with lots of forest and lakes, where you can also go hiking.
Totally relaxed on vacation: Stefan Zierke, with shorts and slippers, and his daughter in front of the caravan
Source: private
WORLD: And where do you like to camp longer?
Zierke: Well, for the big vacation we favor countries like France or Italy. I like the warmth, the water and the flair. I also enjoy a little more comfort and the good Mediterranean food.
WORLD: Is your dog always with you?
Zierke: My Labrador bitch Ida likes to go on short trips. But if it goes far away, then she can also go on vacation at home or in the kennel.
WORLD: Dog places as well as luxury plots are usually booked first everywhere. Do you also need additional capacities for this in Germany?
Zierke: In tourism, every segment is evolving. From demand and from supply. It would be entrepreneurially wise to respond to the demand or consciously ignore it.
Longing Fjord: Corona has triggered a mobile home boom
Quelle: picture alliance / Zoonar
WORLD: So do the campsite operators in this country have to do even more to improve quality and interests?
Zierke: Quality is always a brand essence that appeals to a special target group. Local entrepreneurs have to decide how to set up their campsite and market it accordingly. I’m a friend of versatility. That is why natural and traditional campsites are just as charming as quality campsites.
Besides, they don’t even have to be mutually exclusive. It’s all a matter of concept. And if that’s true, then you don’t have to readjust it from the outside.
WORLD: But where is the affordable camping?
Zierke: As I said, that’s the case in my opinion. Almost all of us were traveling with a tent as teenagers and had a great time at a nearby campsite. As you get older, other needs arise. I think our industry is well positioned there. With inflation, of course, everything becomes a bit more expensive. Unfortunately, that is inevitable, but I take affordable camping for granted.
WORLD: 2022 could be another record year. As a result, the campsites would be overcrowded, densely packed and almost impossible to do without a reservation. What do you think, doesn’t the unconventional basic idea of camping, freedom and flexibility, fall by the wayside?
Zierke: No, I don’t see it that way. The summer season has always been popular and well booked during the core holiday season. Freedom and flexibility also mean independence. On site or when I would like to eat which meal. I’m not tied there and that’s already there and everything else is management.
It starts with everyone, how they plan the trip, what their requirements are. And that can all be organized. And then, of course, the management on the pitch is also asked what distances I allow or when I say we’re full. Here, too, it is important to harmonize both sides.
WORLD: When you took office in March, you made a statement: “We need good framework conditions and minimum standards for pitches on campsites and in public spaces in order to protect our resources and nature.” What do you mean by that specifically?
Zierke: The biggest problem I see is wild camping. Of course it’s nice that the industry is booming and is also becoming more and more interesting for newcomers and career changers. Also with regard to rental vehicles. Because there are many rules to be observed, also when dealing with the vehicles, the disposal of waste or faeces. Therefore, we need a minimum set of rules that must apply. On the squares and in public space.
Camping made easy: But even those who are out and about with a tent have to follow rules
Quelle: picture alliance / Mary Evans Picture Library
WORLD: Keyword environment. Everyone is talking about climate protection – but how does that actually work when camping?
Zierke: Climate protection also starts with each individual. It’s a personal decision, how much you get involved there or how well you use resources. I am a strong advocate of environmental protection and sustainability in the triad of ecology, economy and social issues. Strengthening all three areas together is the best way to also think about the environment.
And campsite operators can also do a lot and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Because I know from my own experience that CO²– there are free campsites that work a lot with solar or have intelligent water systems to make waste water usable again. Camping depends on an intact environment, which is why the industry is making progress there. I support that.
WORLD: What can campers do to reduce their personal CO²-improve balance sheet?
Zierke: Very very much. Starting with the choice of vehicle, the loading and weight reduction of the load, with the choice of route you can save a lot and ultimately use resources on the site in a way that saves resources.
WORLD: Now you must fear that even more well-meaning advice will be given to you at the campsite. How do you deal with that? Or do you prefer to camp incognito?
Zierke: No no. no way. Even camping thrives on exchange and different views. I’m happy to have these discussions, to take new insights with me and also to initiate something positive for the industry. Everyone should spend their camping holiday however they like and where they like it and what rules or notices on the campsite are acceptable to them.
WORLD: In which region is your next camper tour?
Zierke: This year to France on the Côte d’Azur.