The homestay trend is growing. The number of motorhomes is increasing strongly in Sweden and Europe. In Sweden there are currently 110,000 motorhomes. In Europe 2,500,000. Motorhome tourists differ from other visitor groups in that they travel all year round. Over 80% of overnight stays are on motorhomes and camping sites, but free "wild camping" increases when there are not enough parking spaces.
Dalarna is Sweden's fourth most popular county for visitors. Discussions are underway in several municipalities, including Avesta, about building camping areas.
What does it look like here in the parish?
- Sollerön is an attractive destination due to its nature, culture and history, but unfortunately we are not equipped to meet the increasing number of visitors.
- Caravan Club, little Kulåra Camping and Åsengården are not enough.
- There is a market for camping sites waiting to be tapped. More organized camping sites would reduce "wild camping" and create much-needed revenue for associations and village teams.
If you drive through Gesunda, you have probably seen that there are parking spaces in front of Bystugan. “We actually earn six-figure sums per year from the parking spaces,” says Stig Wass. “They provide an important and necessary contribution to securing the future of Bystugan.
When renovating Bystugan, we built 3 new toilets and 2 showers. Motorhome guests check in, pay and receive a code so they can use electricity, toilets, showers and kitchen. The guests are very satisfied and many of them return. “One of Sweden's most beautiful camping sites” say several, considering the view over Lake Siljan, the central location in the Siljan area and the amenities.
We have a maintenance schedule for members of the Village Cottage Association to take care of the pitches. It's a lot of work but it's worth it considering the income.”
In Bengtsarvets Byalag, a discussion is underway about parking spaces.
The association "Gamla Siljansbåtar" donated its house to the Village Council, which has given the discussion momentum. Another contributing factor is that the County Administrative Board has built a parking lot for visitors to the frog play area in Agnmyren.
“We need to organize the harbor area,” says Helena Weslien, chairwoman of Bengtsarvets Byalag. “Today there are six camping sites without access to toilets and showers. The plan is to renovate and build facilities in the Byalagshuset, and then income from camping sites fits in well. Increased amenities mean that we can charge a higher price/night than we do today. The harbor is an attractive place for visiting campers both today and tomorrow. We do not want an invasion of campers, but strive for a sustainable number of camping sites while taking into account the environment and villagers.”
The increasing number of visitors is also an important source of income for the local business community. If we get the campers to "stay one more night", it generates jobs. Not least for the local youth.
There is therefore a shortage of parking spaces.
The parish association sees opportunities for several associations to act in the market.
- Sollerö IF has newly renovated toilets and showers in the Sports Park. There is plenty of space for parking spaces adjacent to the building. There is a lot of revenue waiting there.
- The newly built rowing clubhouse (with toilet/shower) on Lerön also means opportunities for parking spaces in Lerön's walking area for the Rowing Club.
- Does the Hembygdsföreningen want to have income from a number of parking spaces at the Hembygdsgården?
- Can part of the parking lot at the church be used for parking spaces with a toilet/shower in the parish house? Mobile homes are currently parked there.
Organized parking spaces are a source of income that can complement other income-generating activities such as lotteries, bingo lotto, bingo, tip walks, etc. for associations.
Lasse Nordstrom
EN