Sol Kerzner heads for Dubai

July 11 - Sol Kerzner, the CEO and Chairman of Kerzner International, is very confident about the immanent opening of the new mega resort Atlantis in Dubai's The Palm Jumeirah. Despite the world's current credit crisis, Atlantis required an investment of over $1.5 billion.

With over 40 years experience in the hotel and casino industry, Sol Kerzner claims that he is not at all concerned about the fact that there are already 23 other hotels positioned in the same prime location on Palm Crescent.

The Atlantis is due to open in September and is known to be the sister hotel of the Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas. The Atlantis is part of the "One and Only" brand name that Kerzner proudly holds, but only the second to be built under this brand. Kerzner plans to expand this brand name in the future and claims that with an equal investment of $1.5 billion, he could build "several One&Onlys".

Commenting about the potential for the resort, Kerzner said: "Tourism can sustain a credit crunch. It is boom town here. You travel to Dubai and the Middle East and it's a different world to the West."

Atlantis sits on 46-hectares and will be the first hotel to open on the Palm Jumeirah. Facilities including in the luxury complex are a huge water park, a man-made gigantic lagoon and an aquarium that plans to recreate the mythical Lost City of Atlantis.

Despite its luxury amenities and lavish surroundings, Kerzner says that he plans to keep room rates affordable and reasonable. Wishing to attract both families and businessmen, Kerzner claims that the hotel complex will be suited to everyone.

Whether the other hotels in the area have need for concern, time will tell, but Kerzner believes that there is place for everyone in the market and that his resort can only boost tourism to the area. Kerzner is known to be keen to promote the local tourism sector and believes everyone can benefit from his entrance into the market.

Tell A Friend