Reflecting one of ABTA’s highlighted travel trends for 2012, forecasting an increase in weddings abroad, Ionian Weddings, specialist consultancy for weddings in unique locations across the Greek Islands and Cyprus, has become the first-ever wedding company to join the Association.
Ionian Weddings has seen a 25% increase in bookings so far for weddings in 2012 compared to 2011, with the number in Cyprus more than doubling year on year. Increased flights to Kefalonia and Kos will undoubtedly contribute to even more magical weddings on these beautiful islands during 2012.
Says Jane Palikira, co-founder of Ionian Weddings: “We are very excited to become ABTA members as it further enhances the high level of service and added value offered to our wedding couples. Our ABTA membership gives our clients even more financial protection and security. This, along with impartial advice, our intimate knowledge of our wedding locations and team of experts both in the UK and on the islands, means they can relax and look forward to their wedding day in the knowledge that everything is taken care of for them.”
Says Victoria Bacon, Head of Communications, ABTA: “We are delighted to welcome Ionian Weddings as our first specialist wedding company. Every couple wants their big day to be perfect and ABTA membership helps to give customers peace of mind when booking their holidays.”
Ionian Weddings can arrange a blissful wedding in an unusual location in Greece or Cyprus for as little as £2,500, including the ceremony, flowers, photographer, bridal car, reception, music and legal paperwork. New venues for 2012 include:
• Ayii Anargyri, Cyprus: Set in tranquil surroundings but just 25 minutes’ drive from Paphos, Ayii Anargyri is a 17th century former monastery and now an elegant spa haven.
• Melissani Lake, Kefalonia: This beautiful lake sits enclosed by grotto walls that are up to 36 metres high and covered with 20,000 year old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Be married in a boat floating on the neon-blue water.
• Fanari Lighthouse, Kefalonia: A magnificent colonnaded pavilion, known as the Fanari Lighthouse, situated at the end of a tiny peninsular, two kilometres from Argostoli.
• Achilleion Palace, Corfu: located approximately ten kilometres south of Corfu, this architectural beauty was originally built in the 1890s for the Empress of Austria.
For couples considering a Greek island or Cyprus wedding, Ionian Weddings offers a two-hour consultation meeting for a small fee which is fully refundable if the couple makes a booking. Additional services include assistance with booking accommodation for the wedding party and full documentation arrangements.
