Established in 1966 as Botànic Bona Vista by Joaquim Ruscalleda i Franch, the campsite has for decades been a seasonal home for numerous families, some spending up to half a century there, fostering strong generational bonds.
The situation dramatically changed when Inver Casas Soler, who acquired the business in 2012, sold it in February to a new company. This new ownership has informed campers they must vacate their plots by March 31, as the new business model does not accommodate seasonal stays.
“"The foreign visitor won't care if it's Calella, Croatia, or Punta Cana: they'll just want beach and sangria."
Approximately sixty affected families have organized a platform to defend their interests, feeling deceived. Some, like Dutch camper Geer de Vries, had contracts valid until December 2026, and are now being offered much more restrictive conditions.
The Sènia group, the new owner of Bonavista Campsite, has stated its intention to operate only during peak season, with maximum stays of 15 to 20 days. While acknowledging the campers' discontent, they assert the legality of their business model and their right to manage the property as they see fit.
“"Which type of campsite do you support? Luxury, short-stay without roots, or a seasonal, family-oriented one that is now being destroyed?"
This situation has sparked a debate about the tourism model in Catalonia, with seasonal campers lamenting the loss of a more established and family-oriented tourism in favor of a model that, they argue, could lead to a more expensive and less authentic 'glamping' experience.
