Akamas National Park to open its doors by the end of 2022, Cyprus President says

Advertisement

CNA – CYPRUS/Nicosia 18/02/2020 20:16

Advertisement

The Akamas National Forest Park will operate by the end of 2022, President of Cyprus NicosAnastasiades said on Tuesday, adding that this is a feasible goal and the government remains committed in achieving it.

The President was addressing a presentation regarding progress in 2019 in implementing the park’s Sustainable Development Plan. The results of a visitor’s survey prepared by RAI Consultants, a company, were also presented during the event.

The plan’s implementation has basically started, the President of Cyprus said, adding that progress in implementing the various projects foreseen in the plan will be closely monitored. The aim is to have a modern and functioning park when it will become fully operational in 2022, for the benefit of the local economy and society, and for improving the tourist product and the environment, he added.

He also said that a significant step was made following the completion of a competition regarding the necessary park infrastructure, and that the contracts with the architects are expected to be signed in the next few weeks. Construction is expected to start within next year, he added.

Tourism in Cyprus is estimated at 4 mln people today, the President said, pointing to the potential benefits for local communities if one out of four tourists visits the park and the area.

The survey, conducted by RAI, showed among others that 38% of those surveyed said that they preferred Akamas to stay the same and asked for improvements in the area’s road network and protection.

Also, 92% said that the protection of the park’s area is very important, while half of those surveyed said that they were very pleased with their experience while visiting the park, one in four replied they were quite pleased and one in ten not very pleased.

Most people believe that the most important issues in the park were garbage disposal, fire hazards and the destruction of natural habitat. Almost all Cypriots surveyed said they used the car to visit the park in Akamas.

CNA/MAN/AGK/MK/2020
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Advertisement
Previous articleCyprus Speaker interviewed by Xinhua News Agency on novel corona virus
Next articleCyprus already implements tourism strategy, Deputy Minister says