A year after projecting that group business was showing signs of revitalization for 2011, Atlantis is confirming a 35 percent increase in group room nights over 2010.
Briefing news media at a press conference at the resort yesterday, George Markantonis, the president and managing director of Kerzner International (Bahamas), said strong group business allowed the resort to gain higher yields from its leisure business.
Booking pace was also trending upwards for subsequent years, he said. “The group bookings are looking exceptional,” Markantonis said. “We will finish the year about 35 percent ahead of 2010 in actual group room nights.”
“Next year 2012 we are presently tracking 18 percent ahead of this year. Then in 2013—it’s a little far out to tell, but right now we’re about 10 percent ahead of 2012 in pace.”
Group travel is an integral part of Atlantis’ success. Markantonis said groups and conventions now account for about 33 percent of its total business.
