The start of a new period, despite all the problems, is by definition hopeful and predisposes to a better future. As long as the experience of the past is used productively, the same mistakes are not repeated, and the approach to problems is approached with knowledge, serious effort and determination for efficient results.
I have taken the initiative to submit my opinion on the current developments in the public debate on the issue of tourism in Kythera, which is now, admittedly, the main driver of development of the island, with implications for the whole local society. The reason for my intervention was, among other things, the appointment of a new Deputy Mayor responsible for Tourism and the initial views expressed on Tourism in Kythera. I will confine myself to this issue alone, confirming my intentions for a fruitful exchange of views, but based on real facts. I have easily concluded, from his public interventions, that he has formed a false picture of the state of the ‘’Tourism business’’ in Kythera. Wrong information, wrong analysis and adaptation to temporary special situations. Particularly in his initial statement, expressing his intention to participate in the Municipal Elections, responding to the Mayor's call, with obvious limited knowledge of the actual facts, at least as far as Tourism is concerned, he praised a fictitious situation probably out of acquired speed. The exaggerated presentation of the ’great rise of tourism« which, as he said, has been observed in recent years in Kythera, had as its core the »successful‘ policy of the Municipal Authority in the field of tourism. ...He was also carried away by the abundance of misinformation, which is admittedly most of the time done in a ’’scientific’« way, he could not distinguish or did not want to reveal who is mainly responsible for the »«unacceptable lag in tourism in Kythera»'. We are talking about a huge defeat, considering the natural beauty, comparative advantages and potential of the Island.
After the appointment of the Deputy Mayors... the statements became more balanced, of the type that «after being informed by the “competent service” that ...in general things are going well, but we will also try harder... since wider planning is required etc... .etc...» But we have heard this repeatedly over the last decade and as we all know...time is money ( Not for everyone of course...only for those who put it in...!). So earlier, despite the polite acceptance, he probably did not know, but now as the responsible Deputy Mayor it is necessary to know not so much because he is obliged, but because otherwise, we are not going to be led to the solution of the problems and because, as I believe it is certain that no one would want to question his credibility, which is not so rare in the Municipal Affairs of Kythera ... besides, others have preceded him.
Frankly, I may be unpleasant, but I am sure that this intervention of mine offers only good service.
So in practice we have to:
α) To provide responsible and objective information on the actual situation of tourism issues on the island. A necessary condition is the information from the Association of Tourist Accommodation of Kythera Island, which in recent years has been intervening in the issues of tourism on the island... with serious and specific proposals for feasible solutions, bringing together the views of all tourism professionals. The information, of course, which must have dynamic characteristics, can and must be done by other bodies, services or individual professionals of the island, even for specialized local problems, but equally important. Direct information is irreplaceable.
b) Detailed and documented information on the major pending issues, directly or indirectly related to Tourism, the development of which affects not only the professionals of Tourism but also the entire population and visitors of the Island.
For example,
- Compilation of a Strategic Study for the sustainable tourism development of the Island.
- Expansion of the runway and modernisation of the airport.
- Approval of the Building Work Regulations during the summer months.
- Rehabilitation, maintenance and marking of the road network.
- Establishment and operation of a Transport Network.
- Implementation of the Traffic Study.
- Improving visitor conditions of the Island's attractions. .
- Promotion of alternative forms of tourism.
- Preservation of the Traditional Character of the Settlements.
- Improvement of the Island's Shipping and Air connections.
- Utilization of modern methods of promotion of Kythera as a tourist destination.
and many more mentioned in dozens of documents, which were sent to the Town Hall and await their implementation. .
But the most important of all is the recovery of the lost trust of the people of Tourism in Kythera, which evolved from the inability to solve problems and promote Tourism and was sealed with the parody and apathy of the so-called «Tourism Committee».
Concluding this intervention and with the condition that this time, the will for cooperation for the solution of the Problems is sincere, I want to emphasize my optimism, but also to express my readiness, as well as that of many friends and Colleagues, for our participation in this new effort, with unity, dynamic determination, but also the certainty that no more valuable time will be lost for Kythera..!!!!
