Weekly Digest #11 · March 9–15

The week of March 9–15 was dominated by the Japan Camping Car Show 2026 in Nagoya, where several manufacturers unveiled production models for the Japanese market. In Europe, the regulatory agenda continues — German cities are experimenting with paid parking and bans, with mixed results.

Laws and Restrictions

Warendorf (Germany): the city introduced paid motorhome parking, expecting tourism revenue — but faced the opposite effect: tourist numbers dropped sharply and local businesses suffered losses. Authorities are reconsidering the decision.

Didim (Turkey): the municipal council banned unauthorised camper and tent stays in coastal areas and parks. Violators face fines and forced eviction.

Kelheim (Germany): the driver of a heavily modified motorhome filed a report with police and ended up under investigation himself — it emerged that the vehicle inspection had been forged and the structural modifications were not certified. The case has been referred to the prosecutor's office.

Industry

Poland: Maturi unveiled the Sideway Plus trailer for off-road use, featuring an unconventional side-mounted kitchen and shower compartment. It weighs around 750 kg, comes with off-road suspension and a 150 W solar panel, and is priced from €26,700.

Japan, Nagoya: Toy Factory updated its flagship DA VINCI 6.0 camper van on a Fiat Ducato base — the interior has been redesigned with a fixed bed and improved sound insulation. The debut took place at the Japan Camping Car Show 2026.

Japan, Nagoya: the show also featured the Nissan Diario Pop based on the Caravan van — 4.7 m long, pop-up roof, bunk beds for six people. Funluce presented the Triglav on a Toyota HiAce base with air conditioning, priced from 15 million yen (~$100,000).

Openings

Viterbo (Italy): the municipality approved tariffs for a motorhome parking area in the historic centre and handed management to Francigena Srl. The site is expected to open in the 2026 tourist season.

Japan: the number of certified RV parks in the country exceeded 607 — 14 new sites opened in January and February. Growth is accelerating amid a tourism boom.

Lifestyle

Haenam (South Korea): the county launched a camper van rental service at a railway station — tourists CAN now hire a motorhome directly upon arrival by train. Bookings made through Korail receive a 50% discount on train tickets.

Tielt-Winge (Belgium): Lize Vanderstappen won a motorhome worth €75,000 in a competition run by radio station JOE — she became the first of 31 participants to complete all six challenges.

Germany: Diana Lichtenthaler converted a Smart into a mini motorhome with a folding kitchen, dry toilet and sleeping area. At the end of April she plans a two-week trip to the Polish Baltic coast.

By Region

Europe: Germany is at the centre of regulatory disputes — paid parking in Warendorf proved counterproductive, Mettmann rejected residents' calls to ban motorhome parking, and a criminal case has been opened in Kelheim. Turkey is tightening control over informal parking in resort areas. Asia: Japan was the week's main news driver: the Japan Camping Car Show brought several debuts, the RV park network passed the 600 mark, and South Korea is developing railway-based camper van tourism. Global: Poland made its mark as a manufacturer of niche expedition trailers — the Maturi Sideway Plus attracted attention for its unconventional layout.