With the backdrop of fishing boats bobbing up and down in probably one of the world most picturesque harbours – Fiskardo , I sat with my long-time friend & business partner Tassos Matsoukis at the Captain’s Cabin drinking a pint of ice cold beer and watching the world go by.
It was September 11th 2001 just over 10 years ago. We were talking about our memories and how we had seen Fiskardo change over the last 25 years. Although, Tassos has now retired he had been the founder & proprietor of the Captain’s Cabin since it opened in 1978. I had worked there during the summer holidays as a waiter since its’ opening in 1978, whilst at school and when I went to study at Leeds University, and then as a chartered accountant.
In 1995 my wife Kate and daughter Ellie moved to Kefalonia, which was an experience in itself. Kefalonia was truly paradise. I worked in Pama Travel organising the ground handling services for Simply Travel this was just after the company had been sold to Thomsons. Those having been up to Pama Travel, I supposed that I was blessed to have sat in an office with probably the best view in the world. Little did I know that events unfolding on the other side of the Atlantic were to change my life and that of my family’s for ever.
After the collapse of the twin towers, the large multinational operator I dealt with got cold feet. Although a prudent accountant myself, I was perplexed by drastic measures they took. More than half the contracts in their program were cancelled and it appeared that over zelous accountants working in glass towers in Hamburg were completely detached from reality, speculating that people would no longer travel. Fortunately, that did not happen and the market recovered far quicker than expected. I then realised that large organisations were anathema to running a specialist company, particularly in unspoilt parts of Greece.
It was the unfolding of these events that was the inspiration behind Ionian Island Holidays. After, much casual chat and several bottles of wine in the Captain’s Cabin with, Tassos and Barrie Neilson the owner of Sailing Holidays, a good friend that we had know for over 20 years, we decided to create Ionian Island Holidays.
In 2002, my family and I moved back to London. Initially we worked from the loft of Sailing Holidays in North West London. Our launch brochure was printed in 2003 which was our first full year of operation. We offered the islands of Kefalonia, Ithaka and Lefkada and 1400 guests travelled with us. Last year we welcomed over 11000 guests! Our portfolio of properties and choice destinations has grown substantially over the last 10 years with the introduction of Aegean Island Holidays.
Since forming Ionian Island Holidays, we have certainly had our highs and lows. We have survived and flourished through many difficulties, the Iraq War, earthquakes, strikes, currency fluctuations spikes in oil prices, airline failures, recession and volcanic ash. Yet with each challenge we seem to grow stronger and gain from our experience becoming even more passionate about our holidays.
I have been privileged to travel to some truly amazing parts of Greece and meet some wonderful people who have created remarkable lasting friendships. I have also had the pleasure of working with a talented, dedicated and enthusiastic team who have made this possible.
We are fortunate to have a large number of loyal guests who have trusted us and travel with us every year and sometimes up to three times a year since our inauguration. I thank you for the support you have given us. Our accomplishments are attributable to you the backbone of our business.
