The town of Arta has experienced significant disruption after a tourist company organised an excursion involving nearly 900 participants without the necessary permits. The incident took place on the town’s weekly market day, raising concerns over public order and alleged breaches of local regulations by the tour operator.
Following a resident’s report of spray-painted markings appearing on public roads, Arta town hall launched an investigation which identified the company involved. The excursion had been openly promoted, with guides marking out routes using painted signs on streets, including cobbled areas, as well as placing stickers on street furniture and signs on existing traffic infrastructure.
The local authority confirmed that no prior authorisation or notification had been received for the large-scale event. Officials said the presence of around 900 visitors on an already busy day breached several municipal regulations, particularly those relating to the protection of public signage and urban infrastructure.
Sanctioning proceedings have now been opened against the company, which will also be liable for the cost of removing stickers, paint and other materials. The council said any clean-up will be carried out at the company’s expense, with the option for the authorities to intervene directly if necessary and recover costs afterwards.
In a statement, the council said it “will not tolerate such actions” and would respond “with full diligence and firmness” to any behaviour that breaches regulations or impacts the use of public space.