PRESS RELEASE COMBINATION FREE CYPRUS
KYTHIRA 01/10/2023
After an electronic communication we had with the tourist association of Cerigo Accommodation, we found out two things. Firstly, that they are the only active association that contacted all the factions by submitting real concerns for the place, asking us what our guidelines are and secondly, that this should be done by all the collectives of the island, as the real Municipality of Kythera Antikythera is the active potential together with the associations. So it does not remain to thank the board of the association, to congratulate them for their energy, suggesting all the other boards to do the same.
As Free Kythera we are providing you with our response to all the questions so that Kythira-Antikythera people can prepare for the planning and organisation we propose to co-decide.
Kythera, 26 September 2023
To Cerigo Tourist Accommodation Association of Kythera Island
First of all, thank you for contacting us. You are the only collective body so far that has publicly demanded commitments from candidates. Many of the questions we believe we have already answered in our debates in the villages and we would be very happy if you would be present at the next ones to ask us more. Due to lack of time, we will try to respond with the positions we have already stated publicly and how our general tourism policy is specific to the particular issues you mention. Here we should note that you have not raised 2 burning issues on which we have an opinion, but we have not seen from the other 2 combinations: the issue of short-term rentals and the issue of the determination of the Tourist Capacity for Kythera. We hope that these issues will quickly become the subject of public debate.
Tourism is too serious a matter to continue to treat it as an amateur, either with café requests or with «successful» professionals in the industry. We at the Free Cities are committed to holding a 3-day Scientific Conference on Tourism in February 2024. The aim of this conference is to provide scientific conclusions on which the Masterplan for Tourism in Kythera will be based. The Organizing Committee of the Conference will consist of the responsible Deputy Mayor who will ensure the proper implementation of our policies for tourism (e.g. support for small-scale businesses, special tourism, synergy with the primary sector, etc.) and the existing active sectoral bodies (one of which is Cerigo) who will ensure the equal representation and positioning of all types of business activity (e.g. in the accommodation sector, self-catering accommodation, classic hotels, guesthouses, etc.).
The Scientific Committee of the conference will consist mainly of representatives of institutions and bodies and academics and at least one local scientist.
The adoption of the Tourism Plan will take place at the end of 2024. From 1η January 2025 and beyond, there shall be no action by the City that does not implement the adopted guidelines.
An idea of how the Plan will be implemented we believe is given by the answers to your specific questions:
Transportation
Extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. There is a risk that in a few years' time, with the renewal of the fleets, no aircraft will be able to land on the island.
In any case, if it is decided, the extension of the landing runway of Kythera airport is an easy technical project of a few months (as the morphology of the terrain allows with simple earthworks and a maximum excavation of 7 meters/maximum backfill of 8m the extension by at least 600m to the NE.)
With regard to the risk you mention, we would like documentation, as often dubious arguments lead to projects of dubious feasibility. To our present knowledge we have no evidence to substantiate the risk you describe, as with advances in technology newer models have better aerodynamics and less weight, aiming for increased landing flexibility at smaller airports. If you have contrary knowledge please sincerely forward relevant information to us.
In essence, the expansion of the runway should be agreed that it is a gesture of quantitative and not qualitative targeting. As with all important tourism issues, we believe that Kythera should be governed by an integrated, localized and scientifically based approach (this proposal will be dealt with by the 3η Day of the Scientific Conference, in the Proposals Section).
However, we consider it crucial for the formation of an opinion in view of the municipal elections, to declare the intention of our party to support a sustainable development based on the accepted small scale of business (person/family level) and the importance of personal relationships over the uncritically adopted competitive model of economic violence as a regulator of our life on the island. For Free Kythera, the activity of large international tourist offices on our island is undesirable (as well as any kind of large-scale business that does not recycle its profits into our local economy but instead removes it). If the extension of the corridor is deemed to favour such economic activity, we express strong reservations.
Corresponding reservations are raised by a look at the world around us and further afield: islands with many times the permanent population and... more than a dozen times the tourist traffic may have a longer (Mykonos, Samos -1950m), equal (Paros, Ikaria - 1500m) or shorter (Naxos, Milos -1050m) landing runway, there is no one-dimensional relationship between runway length and passenger traffic, but instead, the function has many parameters (such as proximity to major air hubs, agreements with airlines or tourist agencies, etc.) among which we would like to introduce the selective attraction of the tourist profile that fits our own choice for the future of the island. A policy of e.g. approaching airlines serving tourist agencies with agreements e.g. fuel subsidy from Kalamata or Crete to Kythera as a satellite destination, would offer more advantages (choice of number and profile of tourists, possibility of extending the season) than an uncritical expansion of the corridor.
Also, to the real data to be considered, we cannot but add the current total inability of the existing infrastructure to support a massive influx of visitors, especially during the summer.
Creation of a waterway.
We are 100% in favour of the proposal as it offers complementary access and increased networking opportunities with other nearby locations. At the time the first waterways have been built, we are not aware of any study having been carried out for Kythera. This is not just a lost opportunity for networking but a criminal unconditional concession of advantage to other competitive destinations (Sporades, South Aegean, Dodecanese etc.).
It is outrageous that Kythera is not even included in the first 32 waterways, at a time when the Peloponnese (which is ideal for our networking!) is leading the way in the establishment of many around its perimeter, even in Elafonisos! Do you realize that seaplanes will be splashed 8 miles across from us or will pass for Milos and Crete and we will be watching them from afar!
Increase rather than decrease in the number of air routes recently observed (cancellations of scheduled flights have been a particular problem this year).
It is imperative that in every emergency problem there should be immediate multi-faceted mobilisation for its solution. On second reading, however, the reduction in air routes is not the cause but the symptom of a sick situation where our island is treated as a chore for the barren line and not a multi-faceted attractive place. The last thing that needs to happen is an increase in ticket costs.
The next Court will discuss the issue on 1η day in Reading Tourism Today and in 3η day in the Suggestions. In Free Kythera we believe that at the level of finding the cause of the problem and assigning responsibilities, we must from 1η January the Municipality of Kythera to ask the APA to investigate possible deviations from the contractual obligations of the carriers.
But beyond the claim of compliance, we need to increase the number of routes and this requires us to set up - unfortunately from scratch - a comprehensive policy that will make our airport convincing for investment by airlines: to consider the possibility of financial incentives or subsidies, the necessary improvements to the airport infrastructure, to engage in targeted marketing and promotional activities, to present the specific advantages of special tourism that will stimulate demand for flights, to continue to promote the airport's specialised tourism services, and to develop a comprehensive policy for the airport. we will insist on the establishment of a National Framework for Regional Tourism with permanent state support to specific destinations (we are not just referring to a subsidy for an unprofitable line but to an integrated strategy).
We would appreciate CeriGo's opinion as to the feasibility/viability of establishing a local Air Service Development Group and whether you would be interested in joining with the City and airport management.
Upgrading of the road network with special attention to the road marking.
For 9 years the main network has been completely abandoned. And the few old studies need drastic updating. Projects that were done in the 1980's... will never be done again with us (such as the River Bridge bypass).
The new striping is a necessary short-term measure to increase road safety (along with others such as minor repairs, signage and control of light pollution glare). But in no way will it make the (main road network at least) safe. It is an unacceptable excuse that e.g. country roads are the responsibility of the region. Or that supposedly the forestry department prevents widening and mitigation of dangerous bends. A municipality should claim the safety of its citizens even for projects that are not within its jurisdiction. And even when it fails to do so, it should at least motivate and coordinate citizens into drastic action.
Urgently, before we mourn any more victims, we will demand the widening and improvement of the layout in 2 sections: River to Aroniadika, Coal to Meadow.
Here we will add one more parameter that we will not tire of mentioning: the quality of execution of the projects. As you will see in our programme we radically change the way of supervision with mandatory inspection by local private engineers who are accountable to society on a daily basis and not by remote officials who sign anything at no cost.
Connection to other destinations either by air (e.g. Thessaloniki) or by ferry (e.g. Milos)
Networking can only be good for everyone. We have already mentioned to you the proposal for air networking with Kalamata and Crete and our positive attitude towards seaplanes. However, our combination did not have the time and the necessary expertise to give an informed answer for the 2 destinations you mention, beyond the common assessment that air networking with Thessaloniki is viable. Probably for Milos the seaplane solution would be more appropriate, since the demand for a ferry connection is not able to sustain a line. We remind you that such important decisions should be taken on the basis of the Spatial Plan for Tourism that we intend to complete by the end of 2024.
Solving the problems of the port of Diakofti.
The port is of supra-local importance for the whole island but also local for Diakofti.
As we have announced in all our meetings in the villages, projects of local importance will be prioritized in cooperation with the Municipal Community and the municipality will carry out the works in the order of priority indicated by the community.
For Diakofti as a gateway to the island.... Unfortunately! The present picture of abandonment is indicative of a resigned municipal authority that is unable to retrieve a sunken yacht and places containers in the most prominent view. Even if in good faith we take it for granted that the legalisation of the harbour is nearing completion, again in terms of infrastructure we are practically at zero and many years are needed to remove the problems of the harbour. Of course, in the short term, we have to improve the aesthetics of the entrance gate already for the summer of 2024, primarily by actually operating the building and ensuring minimum internal traffic. For the real upgrading of the port, long-term actions are required (e.g. bridge repair, marina/shelter infrastructure, info kiosk placement etc.) for which all combinations can be promised at no cost. But In our view, this fragmentary approach indicates insincere intentions. Diakofti (like the other ports) needs to implement a small-scale plan to upgrade and expand its infrastructure. Unfortunately, such a plan cannot be drawn up, and we cannot provide a timeline until we take office as the municipal administration and gain access to all financial data and records.
Establishing a basic public transportation system on the island, with an eye toward the future, in order to also address parking issues on the island.
Our view is that there are win-win solutions. Such as the one that the current mayor rejected years ago, even though it had been prepared pro bono and offered to him by a local businessman (even though the proposal, to some extent, ran counter to his narrow personal interests).
We cannot assess the sustainability of public transportation in terms of the “new wealth” of the 1990s and 2000s—before the economic crisis! Public buses are now fully viable during the summer months! It doesn't take business away from taxis or car rental companies! It promotes mobility and provides transportation options for children, the elderly, low-income citizens, etc.
We promise that before By April 2024, two main routes will have been announced: 1. to and from the port for the ferry connection to Piraeus/Crete, and 2. Agia Pelagia–Kapsali. Through consultation and collaboration with taxi and bus operators, and drawing on the expertise gained from implementing this measure, our goal is to gradually expand local public transportation.
Create a network of bike paths for getting around the island in order to attract another type of tourism that prefers the less touristy months.
We propose the designation (without transfer of ownership) of a separate zone with a minimum width of 2 m, running parallel to the main road network and featuring a separate roadway, for use as a bike path and pedestrian walkway. This measure will be implemented on a pilot basis between Potamos and Aroniadika, and if deemed effective, it will be applied to the most challenging or longest sections of the road network (either in the same way or via alternative routes, such as Chora–Kapsali). Our goal is that, within 10 years, people will be able to travel safely by bicycle or on foot—at least on the rural road network.
Attractions-Beaches
1) Promote and increase the number of accessible and visitable attractions on the island, while extending operating hours (where necessary) and, above all, ensuring they remain open for at least 6 months a year.
We strongly disagree. The view of Free Kythira is that the so-called «attractions» are, in fact, public spaces open to everyone. «Development» should be understood solely as their promotion. An admission fee (perhaps for 6 months) is justified only in the case of services provided in return, while access restrictions will be strictly enforced solely for safety reasons or to protect a monument (and even in this case, there should be days when access is free). Specifically regarding Byzantine churches, the current situation—in which visitors are unable to enter due to a “lack of security personnel”—is unacceptable. A solution will be developed in collaboration with the Metropolis, the local parish, and the relevant department of the Ministry of Culture and Sports so that communities, with the assistance of volunteers, can keep their monuments open, while anyone (e.g., a member of the Greek diaspora) who wishes to contribute financially to the maintenance of the monuments can do so quickly and without red tape.
2) Reopening of the Cave of Saint Sophia; resolving the issue with the Neraida Waterfall.
As for the cave, our response is the same as before. As for the Mylopotamos stream, we have submitted our proposal in our article on water resources (see. https://eleutherakythera.en/blog). Our view is that the variation in rainfall is not to blame (after all, there was a much worse sequence of annual precipitation recorded 31 years ago), but the recent boreholes play a key role. To recap, we will modify the drainage study for Mylopotamos so that graywater is first directed to a local biological treatment plant, then into an open denitrification pond, and finally into the stream via recirculation.
3) We should re-obtain Blue Flag certification for beaches that have been neglected (e.g., Kapsali) and expand the number of beaches participating in the program. Repair existing infrastructure and expand it (showers, changing rooms, restrooms, wheelchair ramps), etc.
We don't believe that any of the three coalitions will object. The next administration will be judged by its actions.
Operational Issues
A regulation governing construction work during the summer months should be passed.
We agree, not only to relieve traffic congestion and reduce noise pollution, but also because halting construction work is essential for the mental and physical rest of the workers themselves—a factor that has been neglected amid the general deregulation of the construction industry. From June 20 through July 20, excavation and concrete pouring will be prohibited within residential areas, while from July 20 through August 31, there will be a general ban on noisy activities. We would like to add here that regulations to control noise pollution are also needed for other activities, not just construction work (e.g., operating hours for tanker trucks, store deliveries, etc.).
Conduct a study on the island’s tourism development. Development of a short-term and long-term plan to promote the island during three, if not all four, seasons of the year. Targeting categories of tourists who travel year-round or during specific periods of the year, excluding the purely summer season.
As we have been committed to for months, in February 2024 we are organizing a three-day scientific conference with the sole aim of creating a master plan for tourism by the end of 2024. It goes without saying that we expect CeriGo to actively participate in the organization and conduct of the conference, as the guidelines (as you quite rightly point out, such as the focus on specialized tourism spread throughout the year, etc.) must be shaped by all of us.
Let’s revitalize a powerful tool we have at our disposal—the Tourism Committee—which, unfortunately, has not been functioning in recent years. With an enhanced role, regular meetings, and the ability for the island’s stakeholders to convene an open assembly.
We do not know if there is any quantitative data proving that the Tourism Committee ever served as a «powerful tool.» If you have such data, please share it with us. We do not dispute that volunteerism serves as a sort of refuge when there is a complete lack of planning on the part of the municipality. However, in our view, tourism is too serious a matter to be left to a volunteer committee without institutionalized authority and certified expertise, no matter how good the intentions may be (which there always have been!). Proof of this ineffectiveness lies in the countless «missed opportunities» and the complete lack of support from the current municipal administration. The Municipal Tourism Office will be responsible for coordinating the faithful implementation of the Tourism Plan; a position will be made available within the officefor all active Kythira-based organizations that have an impact on tourism. Of course, we hope that your association will play a leading role, provided that you accept the a new organizational proposal in which existing collective bodies are granted a statutory decision-making and advisory role in administration.
Addressing public infrastructure issues affecting tourism businesses. (Accessibility, paving, water supply, etc.)
We divide the issue of infrastructure into two categories: within settlements/urban plans and outside urban plans.
Within towns, the situation is unacceptable: it’s unthinkable that there are hotels with accessibility issues, for example in Diakofto!!! At the same time, roads are being paved en masse on random, unplanned streets! It’s a disgrace for the island that visitors drive to the most remote beaches on paved roads and return to their central hotel on dirt roads!!!
Outside the plan, the issue is complex, as connecting to the networks is not a contractual obligation of the Municipality. We will implement the combined requirements of the Local Spatial Plan (LSP) and the Tourism Plan. However, we state our initial intention to limit new large-scale accommodations outside the plan by prohibiting new extensive overhead power lines and providing incentives for self-generation of energy, water recycling, and access routes that blend into the landscape. Areas outside the plan are suitable for specialized, rather than mass, tourism.
Solving the problem of water shortages in the summer.
See our coalition’s article on water resource management. In brief: immediate correction and update of the master plan about water, promoting alternative methods of water collection to drilling, recycling/reuse, water conservation, and aquifer recharge. This will take three years to bear fruit. Anyone who promises you a solution by the summer of 2024 had better start praying and performing rain dances right now. A long-standing lack of strategy cannot be remedied in just one or two years.
As for private-sector involvement in solving this problem, we recently organized the construction of a low-cost pilot project for the collection, filtering, and storing 50 cubic meters of rainwater, with the aim of developing a proposal that the administration could subsidize in the form of a one-time grant, a subsidy for construction costs, or even a requirement for new buildings.
Please notify us of all events and activities organized by the municipality or associations that provide information to or request permission from the municipality. This will help us better plan our activities.
Thank you for bringing this specific problem to our attention; we had not identified its sector-specific dimension. Our coalition proposes that the Municipality act primarily as a coordinator and secondarily as an organizer of cultural events. In this context, it goes without saying (in accordance with pillar #5 of our program) that the Municipality will support and coordinate all community groups on the island.
Starting March 1, 2024, we will launch a mobile app for Kythira, through which—by Easter 2024—associations, restaurants, transportation providers, lodging facilities, doctors, engineers, etc., will register in their respective categories. The goal is to have ONE a unified public platform that provides online free information about everything that's happening on the island For example, which restaurants are open, what events are scheduled, parking lot occupancy, or whether something has been postponed or moved to another location due to the weather, or emergency updates from Civil Protection, etc. The tool is simple, and it’s truly baffling that it hasn’t been developed yet.
We should take this opportunity to note that the so-called «cultural activities» organized by the Municipality today are not only ad hoc and unplanned but often compete with professional events; because if the Municipality does not coordinate with the rest of the cultural scene, concerts organized with public funds, for example, end up taking place at the same time as private events.
Reopening of the Campground in Kapsali.
We firmly believe in maximizing the scope of tourism. Camping is a desirable and by no means competitive form of tourism. On the contrary, people who have come to love a place through camping are its best ambassadors, and it has been proven that as they get older, they transition to other forms of accommodation. We believe that, following the actions taken by the Local Council, the campground in Kapsali will be fully operational by the summer of 2024. We would like to note here that our proposal is to create one more municipal campground on the northern part of the island.
