The rush of wind instead of the rush of waves: Many Bavarians are planning vacation at home during the pandemic.
Particularly popular: Camping as low-contact travel.
Motorhome rentals are in demand - and are now preparing for the next rush.
Freising / Glonn -
The yard is still full.
A total of 74 buses are parked on the Camperboys * premises.
But the Freising motorhome rental companies Paul Pizzinini and Andreas Mall are certain: "That will change soon." The glitter of the buses in the spring sun is a harbinger - and the full order book is proof for Pizzinini: "This will be a good season." The phone rings every day, and individual weeks in summer are already fully booked.
Pizzinini recognized early on: "Holidays in the country - that works despite Corona *." He was right.
Last year, too, went well for the industry.
The Federal Statistical Office counted 5.9 million overnight stays in camping in Bavaria.
Across Germany, the number of overnight stays fell by 39 percent, and the camping industry got away with it almost unscathed with a drop of only five percent.
The 28-year-old says: "We bet on the right horse."
Camperboys have doubled their vehicle fleet since last year - and have multiplied it many times since the start-up was founded.
“After graduating, Andi and I bought our first bus.” A 25-year-old box, christened “Woody”, and both quickly fell in love with them.
"We financed the bus with individual rentals."
Vacation despite Corona: Freising RV rental companies are experiencing an onslaught - guests travel with little contact
Shortly afterwards, the young adults got into the business.
"We have been renting VW buses full-time since 2019." Last year there were 30 vehicles.
“They were booked up quickly,” says Pizzinini with a smile.
And a similar development is emerging for the 74 VW buses.
“We have customers who couldn't even imagine camping before Corona.
And many come back and can no longer imagine Corona without camping, ”says Pizzinini.
Often it is couples who ask the camperboys.
"Some are skeptical, but in the end enthusiastic," says the 28-year-old.
You can start after a short briefing.
"Water, electricity, gas, the operation of the buses, the parking spaces and nature conservation - there are a few things you have to know." In order to avoid the pollution of spaces, all vehicles are equipped with ecologically degradable detergent and garbage bags.
Campsites closed: garbage problem in Bavaria - many vacationers find loopholes
The guests will need them.
Because campsites are closed until at least April 18th - and that has negative consequences for nature.
Residents of the Königsee documented legacies and mountains of rubbish after the Easter weekend.
There were problems in other regions as well.
A spokesman for the Berchtesgaden police station said: "It would greatly relieve the region around the Königssee if campsites were allowed to reopen."
Pizzinini says: “Until then, some will stay on private property, others will take a ten-hour break.” This is allowed to regain driving ability.
The camperboys advise against areas with night curfews *.
"But hopefully things can get going again in summer."
Motorhome rental companies report “doubled demand” - there are a few things that customers have to consider
Alexander Schöpperl, who has been running the motorhome rental company Eastside Camper in Glonn (Ebersberg district) for five years, has also bet on the right horse.
“Some of my vehicles are already fully booked,” says the 46-year-old.
He confirms an increase in inquiries.
“After the first easing in the spring, demand doubled.” Despite fears of further restrictions, the landlord is therefore confident.
"Many parking spaces and campsites are already reserved for the summer." His tip: "Book in good time to benefit from discounts and observe the cancellation conditions *."
Schöpperl's customers currently prefer to travel to the Black Forest, Allgäu or Austria.
That can be an advantage: "Those who not only concentrate on campsites, but also keep an eye on spontaneous parking spaces, often drive cheaper and find nice places."
The spring business is going to be more difficult because of the uncertainty, but Schöpperl sees it only as a matter of time before the big rush arrives.
Until then, he had adjusted his cancellation conditions to accommodate customers.
“And at some point politicians will have to offer people who are looking for vacation a way out.” For this reason, camping with little contact is ideal.
Camping was also popular last year, with individual lakes attracting a particularly large number of visitors.
(nap)
* Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
