TravTalk India Online Magazine
Building on the sustained success of Atlantis The Palm in India, Atlantis Resorts Dubai is setting its sights on captivating the market once again with its newest luxury venture, Atlantis The Royal. The hospitality giant is doubling down on its commitment to the region, positioning its newest architectural marvel for high-end travellers. Kyp Charamlambous, Vice President of Sales, Atlantis Resorts Dubai, reveals the brand’s strategic vision for winning over India’s luxury seekers and cementing Atlantis The Royal as their next must-visit destination.
Hazel Jain
Kyp Charamlambous, Vice President of Sales, Atlantis Resorts Dubai, was recently in India meeting the travel trade in Mumbai and Delhi. The hospitality giant had also flown in some key agents from Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Mangalore for its Atlantis Dubai Appreciation evening.
“The Indian market has been a cornerstone of success for Atlantis The Palm, and now Atlantis The Royal, delivering exceptional revenues not just this year, but consistently over the past 16 years,” states Charamlambous. Reflecting on the market’s evolution, he adds, “When we began, Indian guests viewed Atlantis as an aspirational stop — a place to snap a photo or spend a single night. Today, Indian families are staying longer, often extending their Dubai vacations to two or three nights at our properties.”
He emphasises how the brand has tailored its offerings to captivate Indian travellers. “Over the years, we’ve introduced diverse dining concepts, bars, and lounges that resonate deeply with Indian guests. Most recently, we redefined luxury hospitality with the grand unveiling of Atlantis The Royal in January 2023. The Indian market embraced it as an elevated iteration of Atlantis, attracting a more discerning clientele who stay longer — immersing themselves in everything from Aquaventure Waterpark to our world-class wellness and dining experiences,” Charamlambous says.
Highlighting the market’s multifaceted potential, he notes, “India isn’t just about leisure travel. We’ve seen remarkable growth in weddings, MICE and social events at both Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. A country as diverse as India demands a multi-pronged strategy. Our integrated approach spans sales, marketing, PR, and trade partnerships, ensuring we remain top-of-mind across online and traditional booking channels.”
On shifting consumer trends, Charamlambous shares, “Indian guests aren’t just staying longer — they’re seeking richer experiences. Many start with entry-level rooms, then return to indulge in premium offerings like the Royal Club at Atlantis The Royal or the Imperial Club Lounge at Atlantis The Palm. Most notably, we’ve welcomed Indian guests to our Sky Pool Villas — 300-square-meter sky residences with private pools. These have become a symbol of how Indian travellers are redefining luxury, blending extended stays with unparalleled exclusivity.”
Adding to this, Rutuja Patil (Director, Sales & Leisure – Indian Market), Atlantis Resorts Dubai, says, “Year 2024 marked a significant surge in demand from the Indian market, which now accounts for 80% of our bookings — a blend of MICE, leisure and weddings. While leisure has always been a key segment for us, Indian travellers are now increasingly opting for high-end experiences. The luxury segment, in particular, has seen remarkable growth this year.”
Patil underscores the brand’s expanding geographical focus. “While metros like Mumbai and Delhi remain vital, we’re actively tapping into affluent tier 2 and tier 3 cities such as Surat, Raipur, Indore, and Nagpur. These emerging markets are showing tremendous potential, contributing to a growing trend of luxury seekers from beyond India’s major urban centers,” she says, adding, “We maintain year-round partnerships with the Indian trade through webinars, training sessions, fams, and site inspections. Additionally, we host four annual trips targeting both metro and non-metro markets. India has consistently ranked among our top five markets since Atlantis Dubai’s inception, and this holds true for Atlantis The Royal as well.”
On evolving travel motivations, Patil observes, “Celebratory travel is thriving — 40th and 50th birthdays, wellness retreats, and curated group experiences have surged over the past year. Atlantis The Royal, with its exclusive offerings, has become a magnet for these luxury gatherings.”
Family-centric innovations
The new Explorers Club — a 2,000-square-meter dedicated kids’ space — is perfect for families. Complimentary for all room categories, it features cooking stations, PlayStation zones, building blocks, arts and crafts, and an outdoor activity center. Select room types even include free supervised sessions, allowing parents to unwind while children engage in team-building activities.
