The passing of the amendment to the law, in order to regulate the classification of tourist camps like other categories of tourist accommodation and the creation and operation of luxury "glamping" camps, was postponed during the parliamentary session before Easter. The matter was referred back to the relevant Parliamentary Committee, with the aim of being put to a vote, in the last plenary session before the elections.
The President of the Energy, Trade, Industry and Tourism Parliamentary Committee, Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, suggested amending the bill to ensure that luxury camps will not operate as long-term accommodation but as temporary accommodation. In this way, the possibility will be provided to all the government agencies that exercise competence regarding the licensing of "glamping", to inspect the site and ensure that the conditions on the basis of which the certificates for their operation were issued continue to be met and on the other hand, to ensure that the operation of the accommodation does not depend on the inspection, except in the event that violations of the legislation are found as a result.
Another amendment by the president of the Committee, prohibits inside the luxury camps, the organisation of events, receptions, concerts and any activities in a way that deviates from their function or that disturbs the tranquility of the residents and the natural environment. Through amendments, the avoidance of visual and sound nuisance from cars within the "glamping" areas is also examined, while the obligation of the person who has the financial exploitation and the responsibility for the management of the luxury camp is clarified, as the European Environmental Law in force at any time has EU ECOLABEL mark.
On behalf of the parliamentary group, MPs Kostas Kostas, Giannakis Gavriil and Andreas Pasiourtidis have proposed amendments in order to ensure that the licensing and operation of luxury glamping camps will be done with a view of protecting the environment, flora and fauna in general and in particular in compliance with the provisions of the applicable legislation governing the protection of the environment, flora and fauna.
As well as increasing the proposed minimum distance between "glamping" camping sites (sites) from 10 meters to 20 meters, in order to ensure a satisfactory level of comfortable and peaceful living in these areas, with the possibility of enjoying the natural environment and with respect for the privacy of the tenants.
The specific MPs propose a ban on the installation of electricity meters and water meters in Glamping accommodation in order to ensure the use of luxury Glamping camps as temporary accommodation and to prevent their use for long-term accommodation. From their point of view, it is also proposed to amend the environmental impact assessment of certain legal projects, in order to add "glamping" luxury camps to the projects for which an environmental impact assessment study is being prepared.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, recently made a series of recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee, stressing that the Government wants to ensure that developments of this type will be done correctly on the basis of the philosophy that characterizes them, which is the enjoyment of unique landscapes in nature, together with doses of luxury.
It should be noted that at least 3 luxury campsites operate in Limassol province, Eco Glamping Paliomylos, Agros Glamping and GreenLand in Eptagonia, while there are also some in other provinces.
