A Conversation With Christina Mitsis, President of Mitsis Hotels Group, on The DWP Congress & The Wedding Business

What are the key trends that you see in 2021-22 weddings post-pandemic?

I think weddings will be "moving away" from their hometowns! After a tough lockdown period with restrictions in moving, traveling and engaging with people, we can dream again! Our wedding day is the perfect opportunity to do all those things that were abruptly taken from us. Going as far away from our daily lives and our routines, and as close as possible to our dream destination together with loved ones, being able to hug, kiss and dance again, is what will be the biggest trend!

Let’s not forget that due to the many cancellations of weddings in the years 2020 & 2021, there is accumulated 2-year demand, so I predict a large wave of requests for weddings in the year 2022 with an increase in the budget to have an experience of a lifetime!

I also think Greece as a wedding destination will be even more trendy in 2022. It is among the world’s most searched-for destinations for travel, ranking #3 on the list of Google searches provided by ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and the country with the highest increase in tourism during the pandemic. The natural beauty of the Greek islands and Athens, the amazing venues, the great weather, the multitude of historical sights, the local gastronomy, the hospitality and the service are all here, making Greece a top destination that can guarantee quality and also lead the luxury wedding organization industry.

We all spent a lot of time outdoors and have a newfound appreciation of nature, and respect for the environment. Outdoorsy and sustainable weddings, no–waste ideas or re-usable designs on the tables that guests can take home, elegant simplicity and collaborating with local suppliers and menus that support and reflect their surrounding area, are also going to be a trend. And of course, we should not be surprised if we see a rise in vegetarian or even vegan-only weddings!

What are some of the unique features Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa offers in terms of having a luxurious destination wedding?

Alila is the chicest all-inclusive resort in Rhodes and Rhodes is one of the most popular and magnificent islands in Greece, of unique natural beauty and a crossroad of cultures and history. It is in an ideal location, near the Old Town of Rhodes, one of the few inhabited medieval cities in the world, protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. It is also next to Kallithea Springs with the magnificent pebble mosaics, as well as the arches and atriums surrounded by palm trees. In the center is the Rotunda – the imposing dome with ornate decoration. This is a high-demand venue in itself.

Alila is a 5* multi-award-winning luxury hotel, member of Mitsis Premium Collection, meaning the level of service of this resort is outstanding! In my experience, you can have the best decoration and the best music & entertainment, but if the service is lousy the guests are not happy, and we want people to be happy! If the food is served late and cold, and the drinks don’t come in time, those are mood killers.

Alila is a very well synchronized and coordinated hotel with great attention to detail, which is one of the most important demands when aiming to organize a true luxury wedding. The unparalleled authentic Greek hospitality is in the hotel’s DNA as is the offer of a unique gastronomic experience with an emphasis on creative Mediterranean cuisine, making it an ideal destination for weddings and luxury events.

Mitsis breathtaking 5* beachfront ultra all-inclusive family resort in Rhodes, Alila Resort & Spa, with 314 luxury rooms, is a top-rated, multi-award-winning luxury hotel that is known for its beautiful landscape, breathtaking architecture, 9 restaurants with international tastes, a private blue-flag awarded beach, great service and its unparalleled authentic Greek hospitality making it an ideal destination for wedding and luxury events.

As a woman entrepreneur, what is the one piece of advice you’d like to give out to all women out there who are in the hospitality sector?

Women have a natural nurturing quality and care, a love for details and for higher aesthetics. My advice is to keep this quality and this female energy brought to the business world, whether it is hospitality or any other industry. As we say the ‘devil is in the details,’ so keep doing your part of the job, focus on those details that make such a huge difference in our guests’ experience!

How does it feel to be associated as the esteemed hotel partner for the DWP Congress 2021?

It is such a pleasure and honor. What you represent in this industry is of importance, showcasing destinations, services and venues and bringing together under one roof – our roof- the world of luxury wedding professionals, helping people create their dream wedding!

I love weddings; I think Elisabeth Taylor was right having had so many! I can’t wait to attend the 7^th DWP Congress to see what’s next and get ideas myself!

This unique event will offer the ideal setting for the display of the latest trends in weddings, showcasing some of the most popular wedding destinations, dream venues, creative partners and new services, while highlighting Greece as an attractive destination for wedding events and trips.

All Images Credit: @mitsisalila