At a meeting of Greece’s Tourism Ministry early this week, the subject of developing yachting, diving, and cruise tourism for Kos, Patmos, and Astypalea topped the agenda. Decisionmakers were focused on improving the overall travel experience, according to the news.
Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas, the mayors of Astypalaia, Kos, and Patmos, Nikos Komineas, Theodosis Nikitaras met to discuss the creation of a marina system linking the islands. Also on hand were Lefteris Pentes, the head of the Patmos Port Authority Manolis Gryllis, and Union of Cruise Ship Owners & Association Members President Theodore Kontes. The decisionmakers also announced seaplane network in the Dodecanese and the Aegean.
Konsolas said the ministry would be lending municipal authorities the support necessary for them to move ahead with space allocation and licensing procedures for the marinas. He went on to note that the selected sea tourism marina projects could be materialized through concession or sub-concession deals with strategic partners or through public-private partnerships.
Also discussed at the meeting were the further expansion of the island ports in order to cater to larger cruise ships. On this, Konsolas called on the mayors of Kos, Patmos, and Astypalea to authorize the submitted master plans for the expanded sea tourism projects, which must also foresee the creation of passenger terminals. Konsolas pointed out that cruise and marine tourism combined with the seaplane service will expand possibilities greatly.