**Tenders for €3 Million Tourist Infrastructure Project Announced for Akamas National Park**
The Cyprus Forestry Department has officially announced the launch of an architectural tender for a significant €3 million project aimed at enhancing tourist infrastructure in the Akamas National Park. This initiative is designed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors while simultaneously alleviating pressure on the park's delicate ecosystems.
According to a report from philenews, the project will include the development of car parks, kiosks, and shops strategically located throughout the park. The aim is to provide essential services to the thousands of tourists who visit the area each year while ensuring that the natural environment is preserved.
One of the key features of the project will be the establishment of designated entrance and exit points. These points will not only serve as access routes but will also provide visitors with crucial information and rest areas. The Forestry Department has emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to organize visitor flow and protect the natural environment of the national park.
Planning for the project began in 2021, initially envisioning the creation of 14 information and recreation points across the park. However, following revisions, the plan has been streamlined to include eight points, with the current tender focusing on six specific locations: Aspros Potamos, Avakas, South Lara Bay, Aphrodite’s Baths, Smiyies, and Fontana Amorosa.
The revised plan aims to minimize environmental impact and reduce visual disturbance, aligning with guidelines set forth by the cabinet and environmental parameters established by various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This approach reflects a commitment to sustainable development within the park.
The open tender, which has a submission deadline of September 25, seeks advisors to assist in the project. The budget allocated for these advisory services is €180,000. The selected advisor will be responsible for conducting research, planning, and preparing technical specifications and reports. They will also draft the construction aspects of the tender and oversee the implementation of the project.
This preparatory phase is expected to be assigned within 20 days of the tender call and will take approximately three years to complete. The final infrastructure project aims to be discreet and functional, ensuring compatibility with the area's natural character. It will feature prefabricated structures that can be dismantled if necessary, thereby further minimizing environmental impact.
Existing facilities within the park include restrooms, cafeterias, souvenir shops, water taps, and information signs. The new proposal aims to enhance these amenities by introducing additional features such as shuttle bus stops, bicycle parking areas, shelters from sun and rain, benches, viewpoints, and mobile canteens.
The funding for this project will be co-financed by the European Union’s Thalia programme for the period of 2021-2027, underscoring the EU's commitment to supporting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in Cyprus.
As the project moves forward, it is anticipated that the improvements will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the long-term preservation of the unique ecosystems that make Akamas National Park a vital natural resource for both locals and tourists alike.