Recommend March 2015 - (Page 60)

The Serpent Slide. of leisure sales, replied, "[if] agents with clients who are Marriott Rewards members make reservations directly with the Marriott call center, [the clients] will earn their reward points." a look back When Kerzner International Ltd bought Merv Grifﬁn's resort and casino in 1993, it renovated the rooms, restaurants and casino; built some aquariums and Paradise Lagoon; and opened in 1994 as Trump Plaza, not Atlantis. "'The water runs through it' was the marketing theme," explains Ted Adderley, v.p., sales and marketing. "We were marketing to adults." The casino was key; ditto, the nearby Ocean Club Golf Course. However, says Adderley, "Customer feedback told us that families loved the aquariums," and that led to Phase II. Phase II was radical. In 1998, the new Royal Towers more than doubled the rooms total to about 2,300, and even the name of the resort changed: from Trump Plaza to Atlantis, with allusions to the lost continent everywhere: the fantastical towers (Royal, Beach, Coral); The Dig (a rambling aquarium where ﬁsh weren't labeled but the "ruins" of Atlantis were); the Mayan Pyramid centerpiece of the new water park; and an "artifact"-ﬁlled casino. "When we started we had the Las Vegas Revue. We changed from casino-centric to more of a family resort," says Kendyce Mosso n s i t e r e v i e w Moultrie, v.p. of operations, Coral and Beach towers. The marketing change was radical, too: Although Kerzner still N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 courted the nightlife crowd with casino and clubs, "Phase II was about The Myth," explains Adderley. Ads emphasized ﬁsh, rides, ruins, and runes. For Phase III (2005-2007), a new Cove hotel lured guests with ed wetschler sophisticated style, the new Reef rented suites to families who wanted kitchens, and a marina village attracted yachties. Atlantis Sol Kerzner dined with two 6-ft. models the night that the Royal expanded the beach, water park, aquarium (e.g. Dolphin Cay), Towers and the Mayan Pyramid had their ofﬁcial opening. I knew choice of pools, and kids programs. It unveiled a tennis center, new better than to stare. I also knew Michael Jackson was upstairs spa, celebrity-chef restaurants (e.g. Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, Nobu) in the instantly iconic Bridge Suite, and I knew the mythologically themed casino, the "ruin"-ﬁlled aquarium, and the new Aquaventure and family eateries (Carmine's, Johnny Rockets). Adderley labels this "all-encompassing Atlantis." water park were unlike anything else in the region. I knew it all, Ofﬁcially there is no Phase IV, yet Atlantis continues to add things: right? Wrong, as I realized on subsequent trips. And now I'm interactions with sea lions and stingrays, snorkeling in The Dig, new back from my fourth visit, a trip inspired by two events: Atlantis, gambling options, private cabanas, more state-of-the-art facilities Paradise Island's 20th anniversary and its linking up with the for kids and teens, a speedway for remote-controlled cars, more Marriott Autograph Collection. celebrity appearances, designated areas for family weddings, and Although Atlantis can now be booked through marriott.com, restaurants, including affordable eateries (e.g. Quiznos). Call the autographhotels.com or marriottrewards.com as well as toll-free number now and you hear this intriguing line: "Where water atlantisbahamas.com, it remains an independent hotel. Thus, meets wonder." says Karen Cruitt, leisure sales v.p., "the complimentary WiFi offer So how should agents sell a complex that now has 3,500 rooms/ [that discriminated against guests who bypassed agents and suites, 40 restaurants/bars, a beach, umpteen pools, the Atlantis tour operators] is not valid at Atlantis." Also, she adds, "We are casino, movies, nightclubs, pottery-making, rock-climbing, its own not currently participating in the Marriott agent program." What Junkanoo, kids' camps, one of the world's largest aquariums, and incentives does Atlantis offer? A straight 10 percent commission, a 141-acre water park? "Ask the client, What are you looking for?" for now, says Cruitt. "We support our wholesale partners and suggests Adderley. "Whatever it is, they can do it here." their relationships with the retail sector, [so] Atlantis does not offer Of course, many of those diversions cost extra, lines are competing commission programs." The resort does offer agent rates for stays up to three nights and discounted day passes. "We unavoidable at certain rides, and people who want pristine nature or watersports like sailing and windsurﬁng may be disappointed. That greatly value the contribution and support from the retail travel said, there is an amazing variety of things to do. Ergo, Adderley's community," says Cruitt. "Our ongoing sales initiatives include incharacterization of Atlantis as an ideal multi-gen destination and his market as well as webinar training conviction that when adults-oriented Baha Mar opens March 27, it programs in conjunction with our For the agent's won't dent Atlantis' appeal to families and to kids of all ages. ● wholesalers." perspective, and for tips to If it's not quite a Marriott, will contact information guide families to Atlantis, clients be able to earn reward Atlantis, Paradise Island: (888) 877-7525 or (888) 236-2427 (Marriott); visit recommend.com. points? Melissa Alexander, director atlantisbahamas.com or marriott.com ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND 36 march 2015 36 CB Atlantis.indd 36 recommend.com 2/24/15 1:06 PM http://www.marriott.com http://www.autographhotels.com http://www.marriottrewards.com http://www.atlantisbahamas.com http://www.recommend.com http://www.atlantisbahamas.com http://www.marriott.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend March 2015

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Happenings in the Caribbean
GOGO’s Gone and Increased Commissions
Liverpool
Alaska: What’s New
Holland America’s Westerdam in Alaska
Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii
What’s New in Hawaii
Miami’s Cultural Side
“Ahlan Wa Sahlan” Says Egypt’s Welcome Sign
Family-Focused Caribbean Escapes
Atlantis, Paradise Island
China’s Got It Going On
Parks & Recreation = Family Travel Highs in Costa Rica
Club Med Cancun Yucatan
Los Cabos

Recommend March 2015