Background

Advanced Travel has been active in the field of tourism since 1973, when Dimitris Patriarcheas founded his own private business which has evolved into today’s agency. During the first years of its operation and until 1990, the agency’s operations were based on Dimitris Patriarcheas’ own experience and skills, while the majority of customers at the time consisted of individuals rather than enterprises which took up a smaller percentage.

In 1991, Constantinos Patriarcheas takes over the agency. Examining the tourism industry with a fresh eye, he recognizes the emerging needs and leads the agency towards business travel giving its operations renewed impetus. This strategic move proves fruitful and the percentage of enterprises in its client base gradually rises. Thus, Advanced Travel manages to distinguish itself from the standard concept of tourist agencies and acquires a role of “partner” in the mind of its enterprise customers. Besides the provision of the ordinary selling services requested by its customers, the company expands its operations offering effective travel management services and covering all of its customers' business travel needs.

In 1996, Advanced Travel joins the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and establishes cooperation with all airline carriers based or represented in Greece. This strategic cooperation enables the company to issue tickets for any destination. In 2000, the successful course of the agency, the need for new investments (mostly in technology) and the skyrocketing of sales set the ground for the agency to change legal form and from a Limited Liability company (Ltd.) to become a Societe Anonyme (S.A.). Over time, enterprise customers reach 80% of the total sales turnover, strengthening the agency’s presence among suppliers and allowing it to take the lead in business travel.

THE FOUNDER: DIMITRIOS PATRIARCHEAS
Born in 1942 in Athens, he has worked in the tourism industry since 1958. At first, he worked in shipping as a ship agent in the National Hellenic American Line of E. Eugenides. In 1967, after the historic ocean liner Queen Frederica was sold to Chandris Lines, he began work as a Commercial Development Manager and was responsible for the markets of the USA and Australia. Starting in 1971 and for the next couple of years, he worked with Cypriot-based Sol lines and organized the first guided tours to Cyprus becoming one of the key factors in the establishment of coastal connection between Greece and Cyprus. In 1973, he set up his own travel agency where he worked until 2000. At the same time he also became familiar with hotel management working as a CEO in major resorts in Elounda, Crete. His long and successful career in the travel industry, the valuable social relationships and friendships he has developed, the illustrious reputation he has built earning the appreciation of everyone involved not only in our industry but also beyond have all contributed to the successful course of Advanced Travel to this day.

Milestones

• 1973
  DIMITRIS PATRIARCHEAS ESTABLISHES THE AGENCY
   
• 1991
  CONSTANTINOS PATRIARCHEAS TAKES OVER
   
• 1996
  JOINS IATA
   
• 2000
  CHANGES LEGAL FORM

“Today, Advanced Travel possesses a leading position in the travel market. The respect, genuine interest and consistency with which we treat each and every customer, along with our continuous investments in infrastructure and technology render ATS a powerful and valuable partner for every business.”