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COVID drew people closer to nature

2021 was a record-breaking year for bookings at Danish campsites

2021 was a record-breaking year for bookings at Danish campsites

More than a quarter of a million people slept under the stars last year

The outbreak of COVID in 2020 forced people worldwide to turn to nature and find comfort in it. With the numerous lockdowns and the fear of being in crowded spaces, more and more people found their way to parks and forests. Now, the Danish Ministry of the Environment has revealed that more than a quarter of a million Danish citizens booked a night under the stars at campsites last year.

More specifically, the Danish Nature Agency recorded 270,001 bookings – making 2021 a record-breaking year. Aside from this, it is important to note that people have also had the opportunity to spend a night at shelters and free tent sites where one can show up on a first-come, first-served basis (i.e., without making a booking). In other words, the number of people who have camped outdoors in 2021 is even higher than recorded. 

“The COVID crisis has helped open our eyes to all that nature can give to both body and soul, and since then the demand for experiences in the great outdoors has only grown. Now, spring is at the door, and it awakens a longing to come out and feel the sun and experience the treetops turn green. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for that. In 2020, we chose to open free tenting in even more of the state’s forests, just as we have continuously made more accommodation and campfires, so that even more can enjoy nature,” shared the Minister of the Environment Lea Wermelin.

Interest increases every year

In a press release, the ministry published a list revealing the number of bookings made at campsites between 2013 and 2021. Looking at the figures, one can see that people’s interest in the outdoors has grown rapidly. What is more, there has been an increase of more than 150% in bookings in 2021, compared to 2013. 

The number of bookings between 2013 and 2021 are listed below:

  • 2013: 105,000
  • 2014: 130,000
  • 2015: 140,000
  • 2016: 150,000 
  • 2017: 165,000 
  • 2018: 177,000 
  • 2019: 211,000 
  • 2020: 241,000 
  • 2021: 270,000

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