PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS (May 2007) – Kerzner International Resorts, Inc. has promoted Franz Buchhalter to Vice President of Leisure Sales & Marketing for Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Cove Atlantis, and Harborside at Atlantis.  Previously, Buchhalter was Executive Director of Leisure Sales & Marketing for the multi-brand luxury resorts in The Bahamas, and has been with Kerzner International since May 1998.

“We are thrilled to announce Franz Buchhalter’s promotion,” said Jamie Bruce, Senior Vice President, Sales and Revenue Management, Kerzner International.  “Franz has been instrumental in the positioning of our brands as leaders in the luxury resort space through strategic marketing initiatives and sales plans.  He has transformed Atlantis and most recently, The Cove Atlantis, into a leading beach destination.”

As Executive Director of Leisure Sales & Marketing, Buchhalter developed and implemented a comprehensive leisure sales strategy for the opening of The Cove Atlantis, the pre-opening of the Royal Towers at Atlantis, Paradise Island and the launch of the Leading Hotels of the World affiliate One&Only Ocean Club. Through negotiations with major domestic and international tour operators, Buchhalter garnered marketing support for The Cove Atlantis and AQUAVENTURE, an unprecedented 63-acre waterscape.

Buchhalter’s extensive sales and marketing background includes positions at Mears Transportation Group in Florida, Walt Disney World and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.  During his seven-year tenure in International Sales with Hyatt Regency Miami, the hotel’s international market significantly increased.  Buchhalter possesses more than 20 years of management experience in Latin America, Europe, Japan and the United States.  

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas
Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels.  This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 97-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats.  Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world – second only to Mother Nature – there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.  In February, 2007, Atlantis unveiled AQUAVENTURE, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling new water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. 
 
Also opened in early 2007, was the resort’s dolphin interaction and education center, Dolphin Cay, created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants.  The Cove Atlantis, a new 600-room resort, opened in March 2007, features oversized rooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean.  Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bobby Flay and Angelo Elia.  The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and the largest conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.  
 
For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone 954-809-2000, or visit Atlantis.com.  For reservations, call your travel agent or 800-ATLANTIS.