Cyprus’ largest camping site remains unchanged, with problems and understaffing continuing to be ignored by the responsible authorities. Camping enthusiasts are preparing to head to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and coolness, far from the heat and humidity of the cities. However, they will face the same conditions as last year, as the Troodos camping site remains unchanged.
This alternative holiday option allows campers to take a low-cost vacation within their own country. Despite being a unique tourism product, it has been neglected in recent years, with the state and, by extension, the responsible Deputy Ministry of Tourism showing indifference towards promoting camping and the facilities available in Cyprus.
In the Troodos area, within the boundaries of the Troodos National Forest Park, there are three camping sites. Two of these sites are managed by the Forestry Department (Kampi tou Kalogyrou in Prodromos and Platania), while the Troodos camping site near the Square is managed by the Troodos Community Council. This council comprises the Limassol District Administration, the Forestry Department, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and the Town Planning Department. The Troodos site is nestled within a lush pine forest, located 1 kilometer from Troodos Square. It spans a vast area that can accommodate around 170 tents or caravans and is open only for the three summer months.
This year, there appears to be increased interest from campers due to various factors affecting households, such as rising electricity and fuel prices. Many people are forgoing vacations in hotels, lodgings, or even abroad. Despite this heightened interest, the camping sites are understaffed and operate with outdated standards compared to their counterparts abroad.
The camping sites operate only during the three summer months, limiting campers to this period. The Troodos Square camping site will open in June and the season will end in mid-September. Campers describe this site as a green paradise with November-like temperatures, yet it has remained stagnant for years.
The Troodos Tourism Development and Promotion Company has been urgently requesting for years that camping sites operate consistently and with proper infrastructure during the same period. Another significant issue is the targeted promotion of this type of tourism to organized groups, particularly young people seeking a different experience and not luxury. As highlighted, if the authorities take the issue of camping sites seriously and undertake modernization initiatives, with the right promotion, this type of tourism could flourish in the coming years.
