A small Danish island community faces division over plans for a new hotel. Fanø residents disagree about building a 200-unit hotel in Rindby.
The proposal has become central in local elections. Supporters believe it will boost the island's economy. Opponents worry it will damage nature.
Fanø's municipal council approved a development plan in August 2023. This allows construction of a hotel up to 11 meters high. The hotel could include rooms, apartments, and cabins.
No specific project exists yet. But the possibility already divides the island's 3,200 residents.
Mayor Frank Jensen supports the hotel. He compared tourism to Lego for the island's economy. Tourism brings about one billion kroner annually to Fanø. This represents 39% of the island's budget.
Birgitte Schack Rasmussen opposes the project. She has lived on Fanø for 35 years. Nature already suffers from visitor pressure, she says. More tourists would make things worse.
The Conservative Party wants a public referendum. Their candidate Christian Lorenzen says residents deserve more input.
The Left party initially supported the development plan. Now they have changed their position. Candidate Lasse Harder Schousboe worries about year-round tourism pressure.
Fanø sits in the Wadden Sea off Denmark's southwest coast. The island relies heavily on summer visitors. Hotel supporters want to extend the tourist season.
The debate shows how small communities balance economic needs with environmental protection. Local elections will determine the project's future.