One of the most charismatic individuals in UK tourism has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bolton.

Tasos Pattichis – now Dr Tasos Pattichis – is a well-known figure in coach and group travel, working to attract coaches to Bolton, and specifically to his ever popular Olympus Restaurant. The citation states ‘for his outstanding contribution to the town on Bolton’ he is now Doctor of the University.

"Dr Tasos has truly put Bolton onto the tourism map with his consistent and high octane promotional activity over the years,’ says Steve Reed of Steve Reed Tourism Ltd. “Whether it’s running his own and unique ‘Tasos’ Tours’ for local people in the North West, arranging familiarisation visits for coach and tour operators to the Olympus, attending travel trade shows around the country to meet tour buyers face to face, or simply being the inimitable mine-host for all of his customers on entering his high quality restaurant – he’s a total one-off.”

Dr Pattichis was born in Cyprus and was keen to run his own business, with an ambition to follow in the footsteps of his parents, who were also in the hospitality trade. He first set up a small takeaway in 1987. Over the years, he bought and restored more shops, and transformed Olympus, based in Great Moor Street, into the substantial, well-regarded restaurant it is today.

Attracting many coach tours over the years inspired him to launch Tasos’ Tours, which offers day trip packages.

Dr Tasos has organised apprenticeships for local young people, helping them develop skills in the hospitality industry. He said: “Since I opened my restaurant in 1988, I aimed to follow my parents’ example. Many of my customers over the years have become lifelong friends.“

https://www.bolton.ac.uk/more/honorary-doctorates/

https://www.olympusfishandchips.co.uk/