“Historic Macedonia is in Greece”
The Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria is demanding the withdrawal of the misleading advertisement of Tripadeal, aired by Channel 9 and which refers to Skopje as “Historic Macedonia”, in a letter to the company’s heads and founders Richard Johnson and Norman Black.
The letter, signed by Pan-Mac President Panagiotis Stefanidis and Secretary Harry Tsairis, refers to the false use of the term “historical” for the southernmost former Yugoslav Republic, and as rightly pointed out states, “this country does not include any area associated with ‘Historic Macedonia’, and therefore, confuses the actual destination of travellers.
The Letter in Full:
REF: 2024.O.02
01 March 2024
To: Richard Johnson and Norman Black
Trip A Deal Pty Ltd
15 Wollongbar Steet
Byron Bay NSW 2481
To Mr Johnson and Mr Black
The Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria asks that you cease the broadcast of a misleading advertisement presently broadcasted on Channel 9 pertaining to the “Tripadeal Balkan package.” The advertisement falsely purports to offer a journey to “Historic Macedonia,” whereas the specified destination does not encompass any territory associated with “Historic Macedonia.”
This explicit contravention is grounded in the provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), particularly under sections 18-19. The advertisement erroneously equates “Macedonia” with the sovereign state on the northern border of Greece. This nation has acknowledged in the Prespa Agreement of 2018 (referenced here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prespa_Agreement), that their nation and their people have no historical connection to Historic Macedonia. All historic Macedonian sites including the ancient capital of Macedonia, the tomb of Alexander the Great’s father King Phillip are all in Greece. Consequently, the advertisement has misled numerous members of our association into believing that they are purchasing Tickets to Historic Macedonia, a region firmly situated within the legal jurisdiction of Greece.
We insist upon the expeditious removal of this erroneous advertisement and are fully prepared to furnish all requisite legal documentation to substantiate our claim. Additionally, we intend to forward this matter to the Embassy of Greece, the custodian of the trademark for all entities related to ancient and historic Macedonia, and apprise them of the situation. Simultaneously, we will collaborate with other Greek associations across Australia, facilitating the submission of correspondences expressing their concerns on this matter and to advise their members to ignore all Tripadeal advertisements due to the confusion that it is causing. We hope to hear from you soon advising us of the course of action you have taken. We would be happy to address any further questions you may have on the subject.
Sincerest Regards
Peter Stefanidis
President
Harry Tsairis
Secretary
