The Catalan Camping Federation (FCC) defends the sustainability of the sector
The Catalan Campsites Federation (FCC), which represents 70% of the campsites in Catalonia, has sent a letter to the Climate Action Councilor, David Mascort, to express his concern about the treatment of swimming pools in the middle of the drought persistent in Catalonia. FCC highlights that the camping sector has worked for many years to improve the sustainability of the activity and argues that it is one of the forms of tourism that has the least impact on the environment. In relation to swimming pools, FCC points out that most federated campsites have large swimming pools and use their own water reuse and/or sewage treatment systems, so the water used to maintain the level of the pools represents only a small percentage of the total water consumption of a campsite (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
The ban on filling swimming pools generates concern in the sector
Catalonia is in phase 3 of drought, and one of the restrictions imposed by the Drought Plan is the ban on filling swimming pools. This measure has generated concern in the camping sector, as many customers have contacted the campsites to ask about the use of the swimming pools in the coming months. The sector fears that this situation could lead to cancellations of stays and loss of jobs if the ban is extended over time (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/ ).
Swimming pools are considered a basic service by campsites
The FCC maintains that swimming pools are not a luxury item, but are considered a basic service by campsites. With rising temperatures, swimming pools have become climate shelters and an important resource for fire prevention. The construction and use of the swimming pools is subject to municipal regulations and the corresponding licenses for works and activities. The FCC proposes that campsites can submit a Water Conservation Plan to demonstrate that they use the best available techniques for sustainable water use and thus maintain pool levels in a responsible manner (https://www .softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
The FCC requests dialogue with the Ministry of Climate Action
The FCC has expressed its willingness to hold a meeting with the Ministry of Climate Action to seek a consensual solution to the issue of the use of swimming pools in the camping sector. It also demands that representatives of the sector be summoned to participate in decisions that may affect the sector.