August 19, 2018 – Some things change and some things change the same. Meet one of the constants of Hvar tourism excellence.
I have been reporting on Hvar tourism for some seven years now, and it has been quite a ride. New restaurants and businesses open, then close, some businesses diversify, the tone of the tourism changes. Never a dull moment.
But for tourism to work, the basic infrastructure has to work, and that involves a level of continuity and a system which works. A system run by professionals who may be out of the public spotlight, but who keep things ticking over calmly, dealing with a crisis with composure when it evolves.
Although we have rarely met in person, one of the great lifelines of accurate tourist information about Hvar Town over the last seven years has been young Marijana from Pelegrini Tours. Always the first in the office, she has selflessly shared daily info on Facebook on whether or not the early morning catamaran would go due to the bura. As the official sales point for Krilo (and others), Pelegrini has the up-to-date information on what is – and what is not – moving that day. Marijana has always been an enthusiastic follower of Total Hvar, and I am extremely grateful to her for her considerable assistance over the years helping me to get the right information about rumoured new lines. A true professional and a very warm and popular personality in the town.
And so it was a pleasure to bump into her the other day as I waited for my catamaran to Korcula. Not that we had much time to talk, as she was a little occupied with a small problem in the hot August sun. Although Pelegrini was just the ticket agent for the Italian company involved, she got involved with typical eagerness to help and saved the day.
A group of 120 Italian tourists was due to go return back to Italy by catamaran. While the weather was not bad at all on sunny Hvar, the bura had picked up further out to sea, and the captain of the catamaran declared that he could not take the passengers as a result. Finding accommodation or alternative transport options for 120 Italians in peak season Hvar is no easy task, especially when it is not even your responsibility, but I watched as Marijana set to work, working the phones in three languages, keeping the tired and frustrated tourists informed, and all the time with the stress levels of someone discussing what they had for lunch. It was impressive stuff indeed.
Eventually, the company managed to arrange transport back to Split and asked if Marijana could arrange bus transport from Hvar Town to Stari Grad and tickets on the next ferry. One quick phone call and the first bus was waiting to take them just ten minutes later.
Amazing stuff. I salute you, young lady, and many thanks for all your considerable help over the last seven years. Hvar is very lucky to have you.
