Among the operational challenges they face, the lack of a unified legal framework governing the operation of campgrounds creates a major gap
About a month ago, as we were preparing a report on campgrounds in Cyprus, we documented a picture of collapse and decline, as well as the public outcry over the fact that, of the five campgrounds located within state-owned forests, only the one at Stavros tis Psokas is currently operating. However, given the statements made by the relevant authorities, there was optimism that the situation would change in the near future and that the gates—at least at Kambi tou Kalogirou and Troodos—would open to the public.
Today, in the middle of August and just before the end of summer, that hope is fading, since not only have the assurances not materialized, but there are also no clear answers as to what will happen in most cases.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Alpha on Sunday” documents the current situation, the gaps that have emerged, as well as the views of officials regarding the prospects for camping tourism on the island.
The Facts
In addition to Stavros tis Psokas, the Forestry Department manages two other campgrounds on state-owned forest land. These are the campgrounds in Platania and Kampi tou Kalogirou, both of which have been closed for renovation work, with no official timeline for their reopening.
In Platania, work has not even begun, even though the campground gates have been closed since last November. The reason is the refusal and/or delay by a number of individuals to remove the mobile homes and other structures they have placed on the site, effectively creating a vacation home. Many of them, moreover, had been living there for decades, paying the relevant fee to the Forestry Department. Even today, the area has not been cleared, with the government issuing one ultimatum after another, yet failing to enforce order.
According to the Forestry Department’s Press Officer, Glafkos Kyriakou, the removal of all items will allow for the start of the planned upgrade projects, which are estimated to take one to one and a half years to complete. Subsequently, as he notes, the site will reopen with increased capacity, as well as specific safety provisions that are currently lacking.
These measures will be based on the relevant regulations, which are currently pending approval. This is also the reason why—according to the authorities—the campground in Kambi, Kalogirou, remains closed.
Specifically, as Mr. Kyriakou notes, the site closed four years ago. Although the renovation work has been completed, Kalogirou’s Campground cannot welcome campers unless the operating regulations are approved first.
What about the regulations?
Until recently, the message being conveyed was that these regulations—which will govern the operation of all campgrounds managed by the Forestry Department—were in their final stages.
Today, this has been overturned, as “Alpha on Sunday” has learned, the regulations are being reviewed in collaboration with the Legal Service. In fact, officials are unable to provide a clear answer regarding the timeline for completing the entire process. Consequently, it is clear that campers will not be able to enjoy a vacation at Kalogirou Camp this summer either.
According to Glafkos Kyriakou, these regulations establish the rights and obligations of campers that did not exist until now, so that the state can monitor, among other things, fire safety and hygiene issues.
Troodos
What everyone suspected about the Troodos campground, which is managed by the Limassol District Administration, is now certain.
Despite hopes that it would reopen—even if only at the end of the summer season—this will not happen, as confirmed to “Alpha on Sunday” the District Governor of Limassol, Michalis Michael.
Specifically, according to Mr. Michael, the reason the site did not open this year for campers is the need that arose for maintenance work and compliance with fire safety and emergency evacuation requirements.
This work is expected to begin next month, with the goal of reopening the Troodos campground in June 2027.
It should be noted that in recent years, the site has been open only during the summer months, through the end of September or early October.
Chrysochous
The campground in Polis Chrysochous, whose management has been transferred to local authorities, is expected to reopen around the end of 2027 or early 2028. A contract with a private company was signed last fall to upgrade the site, as the previous call for bids “fell through” due to the cancellation of the sole bid that had been submitted.
This is one of three campgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which is responsible for for-profit campgrounds operating on the island. The other two are “Fengari” and “Aphrodite Family Eco,” all located in the Paphos district.
Little Interest from Private Investors
However, interest shown by private individuals in investing in this sector is minimal, as noted by Marios Tsianakas, Senior Tourism Officer at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
“The seasonal nature of this activity and the need for private individuals to make land available in prime forest or coastal areas entail high investment costs, making such investments economically unfeasible,” explains Mr. Tsianakas.
When asked whether the government could provide more incentives, he responds that the Deputy Ministry is responsible for issuing permits, not for creating new businesses or accommodations.
“The legislation governing the licensing of tourist camps requires certain specific standards, such as having a building permit and providing minimum facilities, including communal kitchens and laundry rooms, dining areas, restrooms, first-aid stations, an administrative office, as well as electricity, water supply, a sewage system, etc.,” notes Mr. Tsianakas.
An international standard in the works
The data highlight the significant gap caused by the absence of a unified legal framework governing the operation of campgrounds.
Currently, an international standard is being developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)—ISO 18980—which lays the groundwork for the operation and management of these facilities.
Michalis Zantis, a Standardization Officer at the Cyprus Organization for Standardization, spoke to “Alpha on Sunday” about this. As he explains, the national organization has already gathered feedback from various agencies and stakeholders in Cyprus, which has been forwarded to the relevant committee that will finalize the text of the international standard, which is expected to be available toward the end of the year.
“From what we know so far based on the draft that has been released, the standard includes provisions for campgrounds intended for tents, trailers, motorhomes, and glamping,” says Mr. Zantis, clarifying that the provisions include requirements for site layout—such as where the reception area will be located and the internal pathways within the site— fire safety issues, emergency plans, requirements for restroom facilities, accessibility, sustainability, and waste management.
As noted, implementation of this standard will be voluntary.
“Campground owners will be able to use it for improvement and self-assessment, the competent authorities can use it as a tool for licensing and certification, while for campers themselves, it serves as proof of quality services at campgrounds,” he notes.
