The categorical opposition of ten Heraklion-based associations to the municipal authority’s proposal to move the permanent pick-up and drop-off point for tourists from the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos to the Heraklion Theatre Station is expressed in a joint letter addressed to the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr. Alexis Kalokairinos. In the letter, they demand that all discussion on the matter be halted and propose instead a joint meeting with all relevant authorities and representatives of the tourism sector.
The letter is signed by the following organizations:
Heraklion Chamber of Commerce
Association of Tourist & Travel Agencies of Crete
Association of Tourist Bus Owners of Crete
Heraklion Hotel Association
Heraklion Commercial Association
Associations of Catering and City Center Shops of Heraklion
Federation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of Heraklion Prefecture
Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers
Association of Car & Motorcycle Rentals “Iniochos”
Federation of Tourist Accommodations of Eastern Crete
The signatories describe the proposal as a sudden and completely misguided decision, which puts tourist visits at risk and causes extremely serious consequences for the local market, shops, catering businesses, and ultimately the image of the city of Heraklion.
They emphasize that the statue of Venizelos allows direct and easy access to the city’s commercial center and has, for many years, served as a key point for passengers arriving by cruise ship, who after visiting Knossos, typically only have around 45 minutes to spend in the city.
They also point out that the proposed relocation to the Theatre Station would effectively eliminate any possibility of a quality visit, making the stay in Heraklion almost farcical. They stress that the lack of infrastructure prevents safe and comfortable access to the city center, especially for people with mobility issues and elderly tourists.
The representatives also underline that the current pick-up point does not incur any cost for the Municipality of Heraklion, as tourist agents have ensured the presence of private security staff who manage traffic.
The full letter reads as follows:
“Dear Mr. Mayor,
Through this joint letter, we, the undersigned representatives of local bodies, express our categorical opposition to the municipal authority’s proposal to move the permanent tourist pick-up and drop-off point from the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos to the Heraklion Theatre Station.
This is a sudden and entirely inappropriate decision, especially in the middle of the tourist season, which puts the functioning of tourist visits at risk and has extremely negative consequences for the local market, retail shops, catering businesses, and ultimately the image of the city of Heraklion.
The location at the Venizelos statue has, for over a decade, served as a crucial point for servicing cruise ship passengers, who, after their visit to Knossos, typically have only about 45 minutes to spend in the city. This point serves excellently for fast and easy access to the historical and commercial center. In contrast, the proposed relocation to the Theatre Station eliminates in practice any possibility of a meaningful visit, turning the stay in Heraklion into a near-parody.
Moreover, at the existing stop, seamless short-term boarding and disembarking is already ensured at the expense of the Association of Tourist Agents, without burdening the Municipality of Heraklion. The presence of security personnel regulates traffic and prevents disorderly parking of private vehicles, with very positive results that have already been observed in practice.
The alternative proposal to move the stop to the Theatre Station is completely unfeasible, as has repeatedly been pointed out by stakeholders—particularly for individuals with mobility issues and for elderly tourists. The necessary infrastructure does not exist, nor is there provision for safe and comfortable movement to the city center. Additionally, the cruise ship planners are firmly opposed to the idea due to the lack of time.
We must emphasize that no meaningful consultation has taken place, no functional and feasible alternative has been proposed, and unfortunately, we are once again presented with a fait accompli—without respect for those who support the city’s tourism economy.
We close with the question posed by professionals across Crete: Do we want tourism in Heraklion, or are we driving it away through our actions?
We urge you to immediately:
Freeze any decision regarding the relocation of the permanent stop, prioritizing visitor convenience and the sustainability of the local economy.
Organize a joint meeting with all relevant authorities and tourism sector representatives.
Respectfully,
Heraklion Chamber of Commerce
Association of Tourist & Travel Agencies of Crete
Association of Tourist Bus Owners of Crete
Heraklion Hotel Association
Heraklion Commercial Association
Associations of Catering and City Center Shops of Heraklion
Federation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of Heraklion Prefecture
Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers
Association of Car & Motorcycle Rentals “Iniochos”
Federation of Tourist Accommodations of Eastern Crete”
