A number of campers protested this morning in front of the Texel town hall in Den Burg. That was in the run-up to tonight’s committee meeting. They do not agree with new rules for tourism and feel they are treated unequally.
In the run-up to the tourism plan for the future, which should limit the number of tourists on Texel more, the umbrella destination plan Accommodation Recreation Texel has been drawn up. Among other things, the rules regarding camping farmers have been further tightened. For example, according to this plan, no camping equipment may be left standing for longer when camping at the farmer.
Farmer’s handkerchiefs
The camping farmers feel they are treated unequally and are limited by a number of measures. This morning they stood in front of the town hall with tractors, banners and farmer’s handkerchiefs. Music was also played at the protest and chocolate coins were distributed.
‘We plead for clear, good and fair rules’, the camping farmers said in advance. ‘The farmers are being restricted on all sides and are having a hard time. It would be nice if we got a heart under the belt instead of another knife in the back.’
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‘A campsite at the farmer is pure necessity and no longer an extra’, the camping farmers continue in a statement. ‘All costs are skyrocketing, so it has to be earned somewhere. Will we still have bread on the table in the future? Texel will soon have no farmers, but also hardly any camping on Texel? Then Texel will only be possible for the tourist with a fat wallet and ‘Jantje average’ can no longer come.’
In balance
For tourism not to dominate on the island, Texel is working on the tourism plan for the future. With the implementation of that plan, tourism on the island should be better balanced with the lives of the islanders.
According to Texel, the growth of the tourism sector on the island must be slowed down. The municipality wants to achieve this by focusing on small-scale facilities for a limited number of tourists. In addition, Texel wants a better view of the numbers of tourists who spend the night on the island, and – if things get out of hand – be able to set a maximum for this.
Alderman Rikus Kieft came out briefly this morning to talk to the campers. The committee meeting about the umbrella zoning plan starts tonight at 7.30 pm; there are a number of speakers, including the camping farmers.