Official Intervention Letter from the Tourism Association of the Municipality of Thermaikos Regarding the Removal of the i-Kiosk

Strong reactions have emerged following the sudden removal of the tourism information kiosk (i-Kiosk) from the Tourism Association of the Municipality of Thermaikos, with the Association officially expressing its dissatisfaction toward the municipal authorities and raising concerns over coordination, collaboration, and the overall strategic direction of tourism development in the area.

According to the official protest letter, the action was carried out without any prior notice or consultation with the Association, despite the fact that the kiosk served as a key tool for visitor information and destination promotion. The lack of communication, as highlighted, creates operational disruptions and significant obstacles to the implementation of tourism-related initiatives that support the Municipality’s identity as a destination.

Beyond the institutional aspect, the Association also underlines a practical issue: over the past two years, the i-Kiosk has repeatedly suffered damage and acts of vandalism. Restoration works were carried out three times, entirely funded by members and the Board of Directors, without any substantial support from the relevant authorities. This further intensifies concerns regarding the absence of institutional backing, despite the Association’s active contribution to local tourism development.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the overall progress of the Association since its establishment in April 2024. Within a short period, initiatives have been implemented, including the creation of services, the formation of committees, and the development of digital promotion tools aimed at strengthening the Municipality’s tourism profile. However, as noted, the expected level of support from official bodies has not materialized to the extent required to effectively achieve shared objectives.

From a strategic standpoint, the case highlights a critical issue: without alignment between the public sector and local stakeholders, tourism development struggles to achieve consistency, speed, and efficiency. The lack of collaboration affects not only day-to-day operations but also the ability to build a unified and strong destination brand.

The Tourism Association of the Municipality of Thermaikos makes it clear that it will continue its work with the same level of commitment, investing time and resources despite the limited support. At the same time, it calls on the Municipality of Thermaikos to take immediate action in order to restore cooperation and ensure the proper functioning of tourism infrastructure for the benefit of the local community.

The development of this case is expected with strong interest, as it goes beyond a single incident and touches the core of tourism strategy and the collective effort to position the area as a competitive destination.