The name of Villa Arrigo probably conjures up pictures of weddings. You wouldn’t be wrong in this
assumption because that was the idea when Ralph Arrigo originally opened up for business here over
30 years ago.
His vision is still very much alive today through his daughter Veronica Zammit Tabona and her energetic
team that also runs Osborne Caterers. Villa Arrigo has continued to develop and grow by offering the
highest quality in food and service.
V
illa
Arrigo’s primary business is the wedding industry.
“We consider weddings to be a family tradition. It is,
in more ways than one, a legacy that should be carried
on,” said Mrs Zammit Tabona. “One has to respect
the fact that young couples currently getting married
work very hard to make their wedding become their
dream event! Therefore, it stands to reason that we
must guide them to make it a momentous occasion.”
She added, “We must try to offer everything under
one roof, not only the venue and the catering but
also recommendations on quality florists, music,
beverages and all other desired services that go within
the remit of the venue’s requirements.”
She recalled that there were times when Villa Arrigo
would cater for two weddings on the same day, but
times and client requirements evolved and they too
have had to change their business model. It’s impos-
sible to host more than one wedding on the same day,
as presently each event runs throughout the whole
day. Although the wedding business is seasonal,
HOSPITALITY MALTA
she maintains that Villa Arrigo is an all-seasons venue.
Dates, months and weather conditions are not an is-
sue at Villa Arrigo.
“We have also identified an interesting and positive
niche market for our industry, one that opens new
avenues too,” she said. “This is the handling of over-
seas weddings. Clients, particularly from across Eu-
rope are regularly celebrating weddings in Malta, at
Villa Arrigo.
They expect a high quality product and service so it
is imperative for us that we maintain our standards
to their highest levels’” she explained. Mrs Zammit
Tabona added that they are very enthusiastic with
the bookings received as the numbers are increasing
encouragingly. “We are working on attracting other
similar business from other continents”.
Overseas couples are recommended to engage a qual-
ified wedding planner. This market is not the normal
run of the mill tourist visiting the island, as a hands-
on approach is of the essence, hence it is a niche mar-
ket offering a personalised service to overseas clients.
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