Greece is opening gradually and has displayed one of the best performances in the EU in terms of COVID-19 as reported by Bloomberg.
With Greece government doing a commendable job in quick response to impose restrictive measures and containing the spread of the virus by widespread compliance among the population, Greek tourist season is kicking off this month with international charter flights to popular locations resuming in July. Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that direct flights would allow visitors to enter the country from 1 July.
As Greece’s largest privately-owned hotel chain, Mitsis Hotels has been a tourism pioneer for over 40 years now, making its mark on Greece’s tourist industry, driven by a customer-centered philosophy and the promise of an unparalleled holiday experience. So, when it comes to safety and security standards, the hotel has ensured they leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their guests and employees as they have always done. The COVID-19 pandemic has made them raise their demanding standards of safety, security, and unparalleled guest experience to an even higher level with new enhanced protocols.
With the 7th annual DWP Congress happening from 4-6 November in Mitsis Alila Resort and Spa in the sunny island of Rhodes in Greece, we caught up with Elina Sdralli, Marketing and Communications Director, from Mitsis Hotels to tell us more about how our host of 2020 DWP edition, Mitsis Alila Resort and Spa and the Mitsis Hotels chain are preparing to welcome their guests after the COVID-19 hysteria from July 1st.
1. Tell us more about the hygiene and safety protocols being implemented at Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa.
With an acute responsibility to provide carefree holidays in our protected shelters for our guests and a safe workplace for our staff, our detailed prevention plan at all Mitsis Hotels and Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa foresee enhanced protocols and procedures across all hotel departments to address the new COVID-19 and any disease that can be transmitted in the community, in consultation with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation, ECDC, the Greek Ministries of Health and Tourism, EODY and local authorities. Our plan will be continuously updated abiding by the new guidance, procedures, or regulations by the pertinent authorities, is spearheaded by the following 10 guiding principles, while response teams and hygiene agents in each of our hotels will oversee the implementation of cleanliness standards aided by new enhanced cleaning technologies.
1. Operation at low occupancy to ensure proper distancing
2. Intensified cleaning & disinfection across all high-volume touchpoints & guestrooms
3. Welcome safety pack for all guests, as well as disinfectant dispensers in public areas
4. High standards of food safety (HACCP) and contactless service at the restaurants
5. 24h operation of F&B outlets to allow ample time & space for lunch & dinner
6. Social distancing specifications in recreational areas, pools & all our Blue Flag awarded beaches
7. Simple & fast check-in / check-out procedures
8. Doctors on call 24/7 to provide special care to our guests
9. Ongoing training for our compliant staff
10. Awareness campaign at all hotels
All of our hotels have received the certification Health First by the Hotel Commercial Chamber and in the next weeks, the group shall receive the certification Safe Restart by TÜV Hellas.
2. In your view, what are the specifics, clients would look at while choosing a hotel in the post-COVID future in Greece? Why would they choose Mitsis over other hotels on offer?
Greece’s remarkable efforts and prompt action have led to the containment of the virus. The international media have showcased our country as a case study throughout the world, with rave tributes by the Telegraph, the Guardian, Bild, Time, Bloomberg to mention a few. As a result, Greece is opening season 2020 with optimism and preparedness to receive again visitors from all over the world. Mitsis Hotels, as the largest hotel chain in Greece, with strict Health & Safety protocols, well-trained and compliant staff, along with excellent service, great locations, impeccable facilities, sophisticated dining, a rich recreation program, Blue Flag awarded beaches and a broad spectrum of options for our clientele is the wisest choice one can make for season 2020.
3. Has Mitsis Hotels come up with any special offerings or facilities that may have not been provided before the pandemic affected the world?
Overall, the level of service at Mitsis Hotels will be much more enhanced than before with lower occupancy rates and more tailor-made services. For the season 2020, we had planned several new services, such as electronic check-in and Concierge. With the pandemic, we have worked hard in the past three months to prepare our hotels’ operations adapting to the requirements of our times and excelling in every way possible.
4. What are the norms to be followed for weddings and events at your property like the number of guests allowed, social distancing rules, or any other specific details?
Regarding weddings and events, we are following the Greek legislation that requires one guest /5 m² and social distancing of 1,5 m in any direction. If the venue is over 500 m² the maximum occupancy must be 100 persons. All of our protocols and plans aim to provide not just safe holidays, but also the well-known Mitsis experience as it is being delivered for over 40 years now.
5. With the 7th annual DWP Congress happening in November 2020, is there any particular message you want to send out to the attendees to reassure their safe travel.
We are delighted to welcome DWP guests to Alila in November 2020, making the most of our unparalleled family touch and impeccable Greek essence to bring to life-enriching experiences for you. Our staff members are dedicated to demonstrating their skills. experience, responsibility, and compliance, to offer you a new level of care and attention, along with a carefree and delightful experience, the well-known Mitsis experience.
With the tagline “Your safety & wellbeing: Our top priority,” watch this video to see how they are all set with their impeccable hygiene standards to welcome you back again.
Read detailed information about safety measures being implemented by Mitsis Hotels on the links below:
We can’t wait to meet you under the Greek sun from 4-6th November 2020 in this magical resort! Until then, keep calm, stay healthy, and prepare your Greece itinerary.
Images Credit: @mitsishotels & @mitsisalila
