The Tribune

ATLANTIS is continuing to solidify its partnership with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association.

The mega resort property, as a platinum member of the organisation, hosted 450 cruise line executives and platinum member and their families to a little fun in the sun with a luncheon and pass to Aquaventure – a 141-acre water park featuring unique water rides and attractions.

Senior vice-president and general manager with responsibility for the Marine and Water Park Division Mark Gsellman said the event provided Atlantis with the perfect platform to audition its offerings to a very important audience.

“As a platinum member, we have access that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

“This event not only gives us the perfect opportunity to meet and discuss future plans with our FCCA partners, but also provides us the opportunity to get them out here to enjoy the food, to play in the water park, to do animal interactions with our dolphins – it’s just the perfect marketing tool for us.”

Mr Gsellman added that the resort’s partnership with the FCCA has proved beneficial so far, noting that revenues for the Marine and Water Park Division have increased in the double digits four years in a row.

“I anticipate that will continue and the exposure to cruise guests not only helps to sell the water park and such, it gives an audition property-wise to cruise guests who may decide to come back for a week-long or longer stay at one of our hotels.”

According to Mr Gsellman, around 93 per cent of guests surveyed indicate that if they had been exposed to Atlantis while on a cruise, that they would probably or very probably return for a stay at the resort.

He says through this partnership, resort officials will continue to develop new and different programmes in hopes of further penetrating the cruise line market.

This is the second year that Atlantis has hosted the annual event.