ATHENS — Tourism Μinister Haris Theoharis on Tuesday said the ministry intends to assist professionals in the industry and the wider local community of Samos, in a meeting with the president of the Samos Hoteliers Association, Manos Valis.

According to a relevant announcement, Theoharis pledged to give practical assistance and support to the tourist economy of the island, which was recently severely impacted by a strong earthquake.

Valis briefed the minister in detail about the current situation on Samos, after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 on the Richter scale on October 30. The discussion focused on the situation prevailing on the island in general, the extent of damage and the needs of the local population, as well as, more specifically, the overall state of its hotel sector.

As part of the effort to revive tourist traffic to Samos, they discussed measures such as the launch of direct international flights to and from the island's airport. The Minister of Tourism also promised that the contacts with Samos' tourism representatives will continue with even greater frequency.

After the end of the meeting, Theoharis stated that "as the Tourism Ministry but also as people, we stand by the society and the professionals of Samos with all our strength."