Atlantis, The Palm: Innovating to serve guests in a socially responsible way
Situated on the crescent of the Palm Island, Atlantis has become an icon of Dubai and one of the city’s ‘must-see’ landmarks. Underwater suites, up-close encounters with marine animals, the rides of Aquaventure Waterpark, the mystery of the Lost Chambers Aquarium and the variety of award-winning bars and restaurants, all create special moments that become lifetime memories. Kyp Charalambous, VPSales, Atlantis, Dubai, gives an overview of the latest initiatives at the premier entertainment destination.
In Dubai, with the ongoing global support from governments, airlines and local tourism entities such as DTCM, they will be able to continue to restore flight networks and put health and safety measures in place to encourage international travel again. In addition, initiatives such as free travel insurance from Emirates and Fly Dubai have been tremendously helpful in boosting travellers’ confidence.
“This pattern of recovery means we have to have a clear distribution strategy in place and essentially be prepared for anything so that we can quickly fine-tune in changing circumstances. I think as long as we’re prepared to adapt and evolve, we can continue to progress and recover,” explains Charalambous.
At Atlantis, The Palm, they are continuously evolving to meet the needs of their customers during this challenging time. For example, they are now offering guests who stay five nights or more in resort free COVID-19 PCR tests for all international bookings. Additionally, they have partnered with one of the emirate’s leading hospitals in order to be able to conduct the tests from the comfort of guests’ hotel rooms. Elaborating further, Charalambous says, “This has enabled us to reduce any travel inconveniences and allowed our guests to relish every moment of their time spent at Atlantis, The Palm as we strive to implement innovative ways to serve them in a socially responsible way. The latest initiative also aligns itself with Emirates Airline’s free medical cover for COVID19-related expenses, designed to boost travellers’ confidence during the pandemic.”
Whilst working in line with the United Arab Emirates government and Dubai authorities’ restrictions and guidelines, during the start of the pandemic Atlantis, The Palm also implemented a small taskforce to work on vital maintenance projects around the resort and took the time to refurbish Saffron, their all-day dining restaurant as well as their conference facilities so that by Q1, 2021, they will have completed the US$100 million refurbishment programme that has updated the entire property. “When guests come back to visit us, it will be to a refreshed Atlantis, The Palm complete with refurbished rooms, Imperial Club, VIP check-in lounge plus much much more,” informs Charalambous.
The new age of travel, certainly in the near future, will centre around health, safety and cleanliness. On this, Charalambous shares, “I think that moving forward, the elevated expectations surrounding this will unify all travellers and hygiene protocols will now be major selling points for resorts. Whilst guests have always trusted that hotels will be clean, I think now they will want more proof. For example, whilst we have always been recognised as a hospitality leader in terms of our high standards of health and safety, we have now progressed this further, securing international certification by the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label.”
Given the way COVID-19 has impacted the industry and changed travel plans for so many, it’s also inevitable that flexibility will play a huge part in the future of travel. At Atlantis, The Palm, they have already anticipated this by allowing free amendments up to seven days before travel until the end of 2020 and will of course continue to reassess this as needed.