Žemaitija National Park (ŽNP) was established in 1991 with the aim of preserving, managing and sustainably developing those areas of Žemaitija in north-western Lithuania, that are most valued for their natural and cultural qualities. It is an outstanding area with a landscape characterized by natural hills, unique town layout and small-scale architecture, decorated farmsteads, sacral heritage monuments and Plateliai lake – the only pre-glacial lake in the country.
ZNP covers 21,720 hectares with a population of about 3,500 residents. Fact, that Zemaitija national park is protected area with residents inside forcing us to take care about sustainable tourism development in national park and its surroundings. Currently national park has a sufficiently well-developed tourism services and local businesses: there are 26 rural homesteads, which can generally accommodate up to 627 visitors, 6 accommodation establishments, which can accommodate up to 530 visitors and 6 cafe's and restaurants. National event's, diving clubs, cold war and Shrove Tuesday museums, private art galleries and expositions attract thousands of visitors every year.
Our experience in tourism development has demonstrated that inconsistent and hastily developed tourism can not only not bring any benefits, but also destroy most valuable places of Protected areas. Therefore we all agree that only corporation with local farmers, residents and tourism business can lead us to the best results and help to protect nature and culture heritage.
This year in the frame of European Charter Directorate of national park together with local stakeholders finished preparation of Zemaitija national park Sustainable tourism strategy and action plan. The main question was to which kind of tourism we should pay most attention and which target groups shpuld we choose. After long discussions we came conclusion that complex tourism development for sustainable families is most acceptable for all.
The main our aim set in the strategy - to create favorable conditions for sustainable tourism development in the Zemaitija National Park, to increase the attractiveness of this area, creating added-value of the area and favorable conditions for achieving the objectives of the park and also creating opportunities for local community residents and businesses, which contribute to ZNP goals, have the additional benefit. To reach this aim we set six aims:
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Developing urbanized territories by utilizing their recreation potential. We have to develop Plateliai town into a resort (tourist) area, in order to develop this areas infrastructure and services to meet the resort (tourist) area status. We have to create the conditions for the development of catering services, further enhancing the traditional dishes of Samogitian, to use Plateliai estate for various cultural and educational services. We have to create the additional value objects in the former stables and barn of Plateliai estate. It can be nature exhibitions and Mardi Gras museum. We have to develop public infrastructure: public internet access, the standards of hygiene meeting beaches, ATMs, waste sorting sites, public toilets and showers. Taking advantage of existing infrastructure (yachts, diving clubs, a hotel with a spa, cafe, modern campsite and Seire nature trail), we have to develop Plateliai Lake western shore as an active recreational water area (with diving, beach activities, swimming, water tools, services, fishing, etc.). Taking advantage of existing infrastructure (hotels, rest houses, tourist campsites, resorts, beaches) in Paplatele area we have to develop a long-term (at least 3 days) recreation services in the nature.
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To develop favorable conditions to increase usage of public transport by visitors of ZNP’s. We have to link all ZNP developed routes with public transport in Plunge (buses, trains), we have to create permanent information system, which can inform ZNP visitors about public transport routes, schedules and prices.
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To develop favorable conditions for visitors to stay at the ZNP longer than 2 days as well as to encourage products development to improve the offering to non peak season visitors. We have to use and combine all ZNP natural and cultural values in shaping routes and adapting them to a comfortable tourist visits. All routes must be aligned with the housing services. We have to revitalize, to introduce new traditions, holidays during the cold season.
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Finish developing of infrastructure/facilities to encourage easy way for waste recycling. Waste sorting facilities has to be implemented not only in urban areas, but also in the resorts, camp sites, camping sites.Camping providers must have a sort of waste containers and provide information to visitors about the waste management objectives and recommendations.
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Anticipate prevention and management means for managing visitors’ impact to biodiversity and cultural heritage values. We have to prepare visitor flows and facilities capacity assessment programs and methodology.
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Create the conditions for visitors to contribute directly to achieving the objectives of ZNP. We have to create a labeling system for products, whose production process, service packages contribute to the objectives of ZNP. We have to create information and delivery system that will let ZNP visitors to have the opportunity to buy labeled goods or use services, or to contribute their volunteer work to ZNP handling.
We hope that implementing of this strategy and action plan will rise toursim in Zemaitija national park into the new level.
