Bahamas News

With the billion-dollar expansion of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island nearly complete, Kerzner International Chairman Sol Kerzner said Thursday the property has enjoyed growth that is incomparable to the growth of resorts in other regions.

While Mr. Kerzner stressed that his focus now is making Phase III a success, he indicated that Phase IV is also in the realm of possibility.

“Before I think of a fourth phase, I am confident that we will see that Phase III is successful, that the business is in place, that there is a good foundation for moving forward with a fourth phase and I’m sure that there will be no shortage of great, exciting ideas for Phase IV,” said Mr. Kerzner, who is preparing for the grand opening of Phase III tonight.

The expansion comprises The Cove, a new, luxurious 600-room hotel, a new water park called AQUAVENTURE, Dolphin Cay, and Atlantis Residences condo hotel.

When asked about the level of competition with resorts around the world, Mr. Kerzner said, “I think that in a certain way in this region, we are ahead of the field.”

Mr. Kerzner said about a decade ago, Delta Airlines didn’t believe that The Bahamas had enough business for it to increase its service to The Bahamas and required guarantees to fly to the country more frequently.

However, today there are many airlines flying to The Bahamas daily throughout the year, he said.

Over the years, The Bahamas has experienced good growth as a tourist destination, particularly from the U.S. market which is the biggest market for the Caribbean, Mr. Kerzner said.

“We have done very well,” he said.

When asked if he is completely satisfied with the service Atlantis employees provide, he said one could never be completely satisfied.

“You are always aiming to try to improve the level of service,” Mr. Kerzner said. “But success has to be driven by the fact that we provide a good level of service.”

Mr. Kerzner noted that Atlantis’ employees create a big part of the visitor experience and he said his experience with employees has been good.

Over the years, the employees reacted well to the training programmes and they understand that service is key to the success of the resort and the success of tourism in the country, he said.

“I think this is a key factor and for me it is very encouraging,” Mr. Kerzner said.

Kerzner International is seeking to grow Atlantis into a more unique resort destination, he said.

Kerzner International is expanding worldwide, Mr. Kerzner pointed out, but he said his company’s biggest investment is the one that has been made in The Bahamas.

The hotel mogul again spoke about the disappointing state of Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence.

“Without question, I think everyone accepts that our airport facility isn’t up to scratch and as we continue to expand and have more tourists visit The Bahamas, we have to recognize that if the airport isn’t up to scratch then the tourists have other alternatives,” he said. “It’s worrisome.”

He said he looks forward to improvements at the airport so the guest experience can be enhanced.

The Bahamas changed government twice since Kerzner International began business in the country and according to Mr. Kerzner his company’s experience with both governments has been good.

“I believe that the only area we can complain about is the airport,” he said. “Some attention will have to be given to the roads and traffic as we attract more tourists.”

By Deandre Williamson
The Bahama journal