His satisfaction for the announcement of the new itineraries of the ship Aqua Jewel to Kythera and Antikythera was expressed by the Mayor of Kythera Efstratios Harhalakis, in a post on social media. The routes are for the period from July 7 to September 7, 2025 and were described by him as a «positive move» to support the tourist season on the islands.
Mr. Harchalakis said that there was cooperation with the shipowner in order for the new routes not to coincide with those of the local ship. Porphyrousa, pointing out that the original route tables were modified four times to avoid problems. Furthermore, it defended the morning departure time from Piraeus (06:35), referring to the practices of other Aegean lines, such as the Blue Star (07:15).
However, the announcement of the routes - despite the intention to improve the ferry connection - caused a wave of reactions from tourism professionals on the island, who expressed strong dissatisfaction with the timing of the announcement and the impact on bookings.
Experienced professional Julia Tzanidou Zouberer noted that the new approach times have created a “mosaic of gaps” in the booking plan, as guests cannot find accommodation the day before or after their trip, resulting in cancellations. «The “good” itineraries are not just the many - they are the consistent ones,» he said, stressing that changes just before the start of the season hurt the destination's image.
Similar was the reaction of the owner of accommodation Anastasia Kalopedi, who commented that such changes at the end of May is “the most invalid” for the planning of the tourist season. For his part, hotelier Manolis Venardos argued that although most approaches are welcome, announcing the changes so late causes serious disruption, with numerous cancellations and phone calls from customers and groups.
Mr George Kallinikos spoke of a «domino effect of cancellations» that caused panic among professionals, while Mr Giannis Fatesas called «unacceptable» the fact that the changes were made late, putting at risk already scheduled bookings.
The debate reflects the long-standing issue of maritime coverage and the need for predictability and stability in tourism. While the Municipal Authority stresses the importance of cooperation with the shipping companies, the operators call for more substantial consultation and planning based on the needs of the market.
Whether the gaps left by the cancellations will be filled remains to be seen. What is certain is that the issue of ferry connections in Kythera continues to cause tremors - both on deck and in the local community.
The critical questions behind the new Aqua Jewel itineraries
Despite the Mayor's reference to the intervention in the design of the routes (the vote of the specific lines in the Shipping Council has preceded this), the feeling of many tourism professionals is that the planning was done out of time and without the necessary consultations with the tourism industry. At the same time, the choice of Aqua Jewel, a ship that in the past has been judged vulnerable in the demanding seas of the Cretan Sea (at 6 Beaufort it is looking for a port to moor), causes legitimate concerns.
In this context, a number of questions arise that require clear answers - not only for the current season, but also for the long-term maritime strategy of Kythera.
Why was there no timely public consultation with tourism professionals?;
How can it be possible to decide and announce itineraries at the end of May, without consulting the tourism industry, which plans months in advance?;
Why was no pressure exerted to select a ship with a higher seaworthiness?;
The Aqua Jewel has a history of cancellations and delays. Was there an alternative ship proposal that was rejected?;
What happens in case of cancellation of services due to weather conditions?;
Is there a contingency plan or coverage for travelers and businesses on the island?;
Why was there no stability in the timetable and daily schedule?;
Frequent changes create uncertainty for tour operators and visitors.
Is there an overall plan for a ferry service to Kythera and Antikythera?;
Or is each season treated in a fragmented and sketchy way?;
When will the framework for permanent, predictable, stable and high-quality services finally be put in place?;
What is the responsibility of the State towards isolated island communities?;
These questions are not only aimed at accountability, but also at opening a public dialogue for a maritime policy that respects the islands and the needs of tourism with seriousness, consistency and transparency. Shipowners’ communications with the leadership of the Ministry or even with the Mayor, when the opinion of the local community and professionals is not taken into account, give the impression that the shipowner is doing what he wants and that those responsible are acting as his «stewards». And for good measure? Read at the end the news of May 2021.
Panos Laskaridis: «Shipping has screwed the Prime Minister» (VIDEO)
Panos Laskaridis: «Shipping has screwed the Prime Minister» (VIDEO)
Laskaridis threatens journalists. Dissonance in Maximos
And finally... Panos Laskaridis resigned from the Union of Shipowners
https://archive.vn/UECLM
