As Indian hoteliers aim to improve their offerings, Atlantis Dubai serves a stellar model for balancing luxury with sustainability.
Words by HT Bureau
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, Atlantis Dubai stands out as a beacon of innovation, setting new standards for sustainability, guest experiences, and operational excellence. HotelTalk recently spoke with Kyp Charalambous, Vice President, Sales, Atlantis Dubai, to delve into the resort’s initiatives that are reshaping the industry.
Sustainability at forefront
Atlantis Dubai has made remarkable strides in its commitment to responsible tourism. The resort’s Atlas Project has yielded impressive results, including the installation of solar panels that saved 767 tonnes of CO2 in 2023 alone. “This is equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 15,435 trees,” Charalambous said, highlighting the scale of their environmental impact.
Food waste management has been a key focus, with the implementation of Winnow food waste technology in all buffet restaurants. This initiative has resulted in an estimated 40 per cent reduction in edible food waste. The resort has also partnered with local farmers to introduce fresh, organic ingredients, with 100 locally sourced and sustainable dishes now available on restaurant menus.
The elimination of single-use plastics has been another achievement. “We have replaced single-use plastic amenities with refillable pump bottles in guest rooms, annually diverting three million plastic tubes from landfills,” Charalambous explained. The resort has also eliminated over 2.6 million single-use plastic water bottles, opting for glass refillable bottles instead.
Elevating guest experiences
Atlantis Dubai’s commitment to excellence extends beyond sustainability. The resort has become the first in the Eastern Hemisphere to earn the IBCCES Certified Autism CentreTM (CAC) designation, prioritising accessibility for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests.
For luxury travellers seeking unique experiences, Atlantis Dubai offers bespoke services that go beyond traditional offerings. “Our VIP services team ensures every request is answered with a ‘yes’,” Charalambous averred. From lavish birthday parties in ultra-luxury penthouses to Michelin-starred private dining experiences, the resort ensures the needs of discerning guests are met.
Future of luxury hospitality
Personalised experiences, sustainable practices, and technological innovation are key trends that will shape the future of luxury hospitality. Emphasising the importance of adapting to evolving consumer preferences, Charalambous, said, “Post-pandemic, we have observed an increasing trend of multi-generational families travelling together, with an emphasis on family togetherness among Indian travellers.”
This shift has influenced Atlantis Dubai’s approach to guest experiences and amenities. The resort now offers various activities designed to cater to all age groups, ensuring memorable experiences for every family member. “We have introduced new school programmes at the Lost Chambers Aquarium to increase education opportunities, exceeding 2022 attendance by 253 per cent in 2023,” Charalambous revealed.
Indian hoteliers looking to upgrade their services with focus on sustainable practices, Atlantis Dubai serves as a model of excellence. The resort skilfully blends luxury with sustainability and operational excellence with innovative guest experiences. By embracing similar approaches, hotels in India could boost their standing in the international luxury hospitality market. This would not only meet the growing expectations of sophisticated travellers but also foster a more sustainable future for the industry.
Designation:
Kyp Charalambous, Vice President, Sales, Atlantis Dubai
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