The recurring serious problems in the management of the port of Kapsali for the ship Harmony V demonstrate the need for effective operational and organisational measures in marine tourism. The recent incident where the cruise ship Harmony V was left stranded for hours in the anchorage, without the possibility of mooring for its elderly guests, proves that the current management is not enough to deal with such situations.
Ο maritime tourism is an important part of the tourism industry, in particular during the summer months, and the smooth functioning of port infrastructure is vital to the traveller experience. Regular and adequate steaming of vessels is necessary to avoid such adverse incidents, which not only negatively affect tourists but also have potentially serious consequences for the safety of passengers.
The case of Harmony V is an obvious example of a weakness in critical situation management. The need to strengthen the administrative and technical capacity of port staff and invest in preventive maintenance measures is critical. Only strict adherence to safety and operational standards can ensure that such problems will not be repeated.
The attached photos show the problem and require the authorities to take immediate action. Tourists need to be assured that the port infrastructure is able to support their needs without being exposed to delays and uncomfortable situations.
Prevention is the best way to deal with and avoid such incidents in the future. With the right strategy from all parties involved, we can ensure that marine tourism will provide an enjoyable and safe experience for all our visitors to Kythera.
It is time for action, even if we are in the «and fourth».
