Atlantis The Palm boss discusses growth goals amid ‘competitive’ market

Atlantis The Palm is having “an incredible year so far" despite being in a “competitive marketplace”, according to the Dubai property’s senior vice-president and general manager.

 

Speaking to Aspire, Kym Barter said: “The summer is looking strong so we’re going to have a great year, and that’s coming off a really busy year last year as well.”

 

He said Atlantis Dubai’s goal for the 18-year-old hotel is to ensure it’s “always evolving”, adding that the team feels “obligated to create an incredible experience [for guests]”.

 

Recent updates to the property include a two-month refurbishment of the Lost Chambers aquarium and a renovation of Seafire Steakhouse, a venue that is “very popular” with the UK market.

 

The hotel’s kids’ club also underwent a $10-million refurbishment last year, resulting in a 200% increase in popularity.

 

“We’re [welcoming] 200% more kids than we did in the old site, and that’s not just because we’re two-and-a-half times the size,” Barter said. “It’s just more attractive and more fun now. We recently extended the hours so adults can drop the kids off and then go and have dinner.”

 

Barter described Dubai as “a very competitive marketplace” but believes the quality of the team at Atlantis The Palm sets the property apart.

 

He said: “It’s one thing to have an iconic building and all those new things I mentioned, but it’s really about the team.

 

“It’s about hiring the right personality that fits into the Atlantis DNA and can, ultimately, create those experiences for the guests.”

 

Atlantis Dubai’s executive sales director Dean Walsh added: “The percentage [of staff members] that have been there since opening is unbelievable, and you feel that when you stay. For a large hotel, that’s not common.”

 

Sister property Atlantis The Royal, which opened in 2023, has been an “incredible complement” to The Palm according to Barter, who said having both hotels has “enhanced” Atlantis Dubai’s offering, forming the “ultimate, integrated resort”.

 

He said The Royal has caused The Palm to become more family-orientated, prompting the investment into its kids’ club, aquarium and Aquaventure waterpark.

 

Barter also spoke of Atlantis Dubai’s plans to grow its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year, the festivities will include a musical performance from pop group Maroon 5, as well as a gala dinner and firework display.

 

The event will also see the addition of a further six Sky Suites, following the successful launch of the premium seating option last year.

 

“Each and every year, you have to get better,” Barter said. “That is our commitment to our guests: to take it to the next level.

 

“We want to be known, and continuously be known, as the [best] destination for New Year’s Eve on the planet.”

 

The brand also sees potential to grow amid rising costs and temperatures in Europe.

 

Walsh said: “People are now looking back and going ‘[Dubai] is a little bit better on the pocket and everything’s temperature controlled’.

 

“Three to five years ago, things would really slow down across Dubai but now, in June, July and August, we will close each month at around 90% occupancy.”