Hiking Trail Marking Works-Leaders International عودة إلى الفرص

Project: Trans-Tunisia Hiking Trail

Date of activity & Completion: September 25th, 2023- December 15th, 2023

Background

Tunisia has long been an attractive and a bargain tourist destination for European travelers. It is known for its all-inclusive packages including airfare and hotel. Most European tour operators that control international tourist arrivals, target coastal cities known for their golden beaches, sunny weather, and affordable luxurious hotels.

Recently, Tunisia has initiated policy dialogues to reconsider its tourism strategies amidst the new global trends and to think about ways to promote new forms of tourism that encourage the creation of sustainable tourism projects based on cultural and environmental alternative tourism. Tunisia’s tourism industry is in an urgent need for strengthening and diversifying the quality of products and services offered to meet the new customers’ aspirations and needs.

Travelers seeking nature and recreational/adventure experiences are an opportunity, they represent a fast-growing market globally and are becoming more resilient, being less affected by the political unease of the region. Such travelers are primarily interested in experiencing the natural attractions by engaging in physical outdoor activities such as walking, hiking or cycling which creates increased opportunities for economic benefits to the local communities.

The current project is considering the challenging situation of the tourism industry and tapping into the potential of the hiking activities as a sustainable and creative way to promote alternative tourism, revitalize the country’s inland cities and rural areas and generate new opportunities of sustainable employment for Tunisian youth.

This project is implemented in partnership with The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the Tounes Wijhetouna programme, co-funded by the European Union and Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Objective

The project aims to promote the growth of Tunisia’s alternative sustainable tourism products and their contribution to employment. In collaboration with public and private partners and representatives of the civil society, the project aims to strengthen the tourism offer by improving the quality of products and services offered by alternative tourism activities. The project aims to implement an innovative and demand-driven approach to build the capacity of major actors in alternative tourism.

Activities

The services to be provided encompass the planning, construction, and thorough signposting of footpaths within a trail that will span four distinct regions: Jendouba, Kef, Zaghouan, and Nabeul.

The development project aims to enhance the hiking experience along the trail by improving navigation, safety, and comfort for hikers. It involves the production and installation of signage, collaboration with a mapping team, safety measures, and the placement of orientation markers.

• Trail assessment and planning

• Trail marker procurement and installation

• Safety enhancements and maintenance

• Community engagement and education

Scope of Work

1. Project Elements:

• Design and produce signage to assist hikers in finding their way, highlighting important locations, providing information, and marking the trail’s start and end.

• Partner with a mapping team to create illustrations and graphics required for the signage panels, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

• Identify sections of the trail requiring safety and security enhancements for the comfort and safety of hikers.

• Procure and install orientation markers along the trail to aid navigation.

2. Preparatory Work:

• Identify any necessary path maintenance requirements, such as erosion control, vegetation management, and drainage improvement

• Clearing small shrubs like heather and mastic for improved lighting.

• Widening the trail by a maximum of 1m while preserving the natural landscape.

• Addressing any areas needing stripping, flattening, or leveling.

3. Landscaping Work:

• Fabricate wooden joinery for various support structures according to technical drawings.

• Create metalwork components for safety reinforcements, staircases, and security installations as per technical specifications.

• Produce UV prints for outdoor signage on rigid aluminum supports based on templates.

• Identify any necessary path maintenance requirements, such as erosion control, vegetation management, and drainage improvement

4. Assembly of Signage:

• Assemble and install signage, including markers and informational panels, safety equipment, along the trail segments ensuring their proper placement.

• Enhance trail marking and signposting to maximize visibility and guidance

5. Miscellaneous Works and Technical Installations:

• Install information panels and signs at strategic locations to improve the overall hiking experience.

Deliverables

1.Trail Development Plan:

• Establish a detailed project timeline and budget, taking into account all necessary resources, materials, and labor before the start of any construction work.

• Implement quality control measures to ensure that all signage and safety installations meet required standards and are properly placed.

2. Waymarking Implementation:

Execute the waymarking plan according to the Tunisian Hiking Markers Standards system.

• Provide a detailed report documenting the placement of waymarks, their visibility, and compliance with the specified standards.

• Consider any protected areas, archaeological sites, or endangered species habitats that require special attention.

3. Path Maintenance and Construction:

• Implement the necessary maintenance activities to ensure the safety and usability of the trails.

• Provide documentation of the maintenance work done, including before and after photos, materials used, and any permits obtained.

4. Reporting and Communication:

• Establish regular reporting intervals and communication

Duration of Work

45 working-days