A ferry route connecting Patmos to the islands of Samos, Kos and Kalymnos will be available as of next year, said Greek Shipping Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis during a meeting with the local authorities of Patmos. According to the shipping minister, improving access to the island is a prerequisite for the development of tourism on Patmos.

A tender was launched in July and ferry operators have shown interest in running the route to and from Samos-Patmos-Lipsi-Leros-Kalymnos-Kos next year. Bids are taking place on Monday.

International tourism exhibitions are to cast the spotlight on the new route to attract an early interest for vacations on Patmos.

During the meeting, the shipping minister also focused on the potential for the further development of marine tourism on Patmos by attracting high-end tourists and extending the tourist season through the new institutional framework. Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni also attended the meeting.