After a makeover that took three years to complete, Atlantis, the Palm is reporting that 2019 was a record-breaking year with 90% average occupancy.
The increased number of visits is down to strong footfall from many top source markets in addition to diversified markets, and is aligned with Dubai Tourism’s tourism strategy.
One of the most significant factors was the marked increase in bookings from the United Arab Emirates, which rose by as much as 39%, with a 24% rise in bookings from Norway and a 16% and 14% rise in bookings from China and Russia respectively.
There was a 25% surge in bookings from Saudi Arabia, with robust bookings continuing from the rest of the top markets for the resort, including the UK, the US and India.
A programme was undertaken in advance of Expo 2020 to use contemporary flair to update the property while remaining faithful to its iconic heritage, according to the managing director of Atlantis Resorts & Residences, Timothy Kelly.
The stylish upgrade to revamp and revitalise the property succeeded in keeping its soul alive while maintaining focus on customer demands and requirements and continually evolving to ensure that all experiences are unique, Kelly says.
As many as 16.73 million people visited Dubai last year, with over half a million of those visitors choosing to stay at Atlantis, the Palm thanks to its diversified portfolio.
A total of 25 million visitors are expected to be heading to Expo 2020 Dubai over the course of its six-month run, with 70% coming from outside of the United Arab Emirates.
This will have a big impact on the hospitality industry in Dubai, and Atlantis, the Palm is already preparing for the increase.
The resort is expecting the coming year to be extremely buoyant and is looking forward to welcoming more visitors this year, Kelly claims.
2019 was a transformative year for the resort, with the refurbishment programme being completed and the entire resort being refreshed as a result.
WA, architects based in the UAE, was chosen to refurbish the rooms and suites in the resort after a tough competition and delivered a modern underwater design to give the resort a fresh appearance and align it with its underwater theme.
Standout features in the new suites include the likes of integrated technology with touchscreen panels and sound bars, bespoke chandeliers, and oversized flat television screens.
Four new restaurants were also introduced in the programme, including the revolutionary entertainment destination Wavehouse, the launch of which was massively successful.
There were also successful openings for the internationally celebrated Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan and the resort’s poolside burger concept Beach Buns.
In November, White Beach & Restaurant, the new cutting-edge Dubai beachside hotspot, was introduced, featuring a stylish infinity pool with stunning views of the emirate’s glittering skyline.
Anyone who is heading to Dubai or the UAE with plans to stay at Atlantis, the Palm or anywhere else should take out travel insurance to ensure that they are protected from unexpected travel events such as illness or lost or stolen valuables.
