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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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The Reef Atlantis, The Newest Kerzner Resort, To Fund
Conservation
of Failing Coral Reef Environments In Bahamian Waters
.
 In
December, 2007, Kerzner International will conclude its $1 billion Phase
III development with the opening of its newest tower, The Reef Atlantis.
The new 497-key tower will offer guests home-like accommodations and amenities
- with the beach as a backyard - while instigating conservation and protection
of the world's oceans. Through a partnership with Kerzner Marine
Foundation ("KMF"), Kerzner's non-profit foundation that fosters the preservation
and enhancement of global marine ecosystems through scientific research,
education and community outreach, The Reef will be the main driver and
debut of an important new concept in consumer travel called Blue TourismSM,
offering guests of The Reef an opportunity to both interact with and support
the ocean through a combination of ocean-based experiences and conservation
programs.
Through the combined efforts of The Kerzner Marine Foundation, The Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy and BREEF, the first initiative of Blue Tourism SM, The Blue Project SM at The Reef, will offer the funding to create coral reef conservation efforts around New Providence and Paradise Island as well as support the monitoring of these sites which are in reach of visitation for guests at The Reef and all visitors to The Bahamas. "We conceived the idea of Blue Tourism as a way of giving back to the ocean and the community in which we operate. This development at Atlantis is a great representation of the ideals and goals at Kerzner. Scientists funded by the Kerzner Marine Foundation have uncovered two new species of coral living off the coast of Oman, and garnered valuable research about the reefs in the Daymaniyat Islands, which should help our understanding about the survival of reefs throughout the world. We are really proud to bring elements of this project to The Bahamas and feel that it is a natural extension of the conservation and education programs for which Atlantis is known. After all, it is quite logical for a destination resort that is built around the ocean to care about the ocean," said Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International. Kerzner will kick off The Blue Project with an initial donation of $1 million. Other partners on The Blue Project initiative include American Express®, JetBlue Airways, Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas, Melissa & Doug® toys, Red Flower and Shoshanna. "The idea of corporate social responsibility is one that is both attractive to our partner companies and to our guests. Consumers are always seeking ways to give back and The Blue Project offers a new way to view tourism as a mechanism for doing so. We are really proud to be affiliated with names such as American Express® and JetBlue and all of the other brands that speak to our guests, to create a groundswell for Blue Tourism. With all of us working together with guests of The Reef, we will make an indelible impact on the ocean environment," said Bob Cotter, President of Kerzner International. Atlantis is known for, most notably, the world's largest open-air marine habitat, home to giant manta rays, sawfish, piranha, barracuda, rainbows of tiny tropical fish and, of course sharks, including some of the first species ever born in a man-made environment. Guests at Atlantis have access to viewing and understanding over 250 species that inhabit the resort's open-system exhibits. The resort has also made great efforts to use a variety of educational programs and interactions with guests to promote ocean conservation. The Reef Atlantis The Reef, a contemporary-styled resort, is situated on Paradise Beach,
creating water views from all rooms, which are complete with private balconies
overlooking the ocean and white sands. All custom-designed accommodations
feature a kitchen or kitchen area with an energy-saving dishwasher, living
area with sofa bed and are fully-stocked with linens and tableware - a
perfect choice for families looking for a beachside experience within Atlantis,
with all the amenities of a home. All one-bedroom suites feature
an en-suite energy efficient washer and dryer and the resort provides complimentary
laundry facilities for all studio accommodations. The 22-story tower consists
of 307 studio units, 188 one-bedroom units, two penthouses and the option
of creating a two-bedroom accommodation by combining a one-bedroom suite
with a studio. With living space ranging from 519 square feet to
3,102 square feet, The Reef offers a residential experience complete with
24-hour room service, daily maid service, wireless internet and a variety
of exclusive family-centered services and experiences.
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. The 63-acre AQUAVENTURE thrills guests as a non-stop
water experience consisting of exhilarating new water slides, a mile-long
river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen
special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort's dolphin interaction and
education center, was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about
the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants. The recently-opened
Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features spectacular designs by acclaimed
interior architect Jeffrey Beers, unprecedented services and amenities,
private all-adult pool by Cain NYC, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views
of the ocean. Atlantis is known as the culinary and nightlife destination
in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs
including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Bobby Flay and
PURE Management Group's nightclub, Aura. The resort boasts the largest
conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.
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Kerzner Marine Foundation
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