Baha Mar is going to give The Bahamas the “X factor,” according to Atlantis International Bahamas president George Markantonis, who says there is room for both the new mega-resort and the existing Atlantis Paradise Island resort.

Speaking at the Bahamas Business Outlook yesterday Markantonis said the $3.5-billion Baha Mar complex, which will bring six new hotels to the Cable Beach strip, was good news for the country and would attract new visitors to the destination–something that he believes will ultimately benefit both resorts.

“Both [Atlantis and Baha Mar] are attractive, exotic travel locations in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We can co-exist,” he said.

Markantonis said management from both resorts have teamed up to hold discussions with other major players in the tourism sector, such as the Ministry of Tourism and airline representatives.

“Our teams work very closely together. We talk to each other all the time and we really sincerely want both properties to succeed. We need each other to survive.”

He highlighted the differences between the two, saying that Atlantis—with its water park and marine attractions—is a more family-oriented facility, with 42.7 per cent of its bookings coming from that demographic. He also said that intense marketing efforts gave Atlantis a head start in terms of brand recognition.

“Atlantis is a world-renowned brand. Brand building is not an overnight business; Baha Mar still needs to establish that.”

In addition to the increased visitor numbers, Markantonis said Baha Mar and Atlantis would also directly help the Bahamian workforce in the future. “We are [both] large scale employers. Career opportunities are going to blossom.”

The Bahamas Business Outlook took place yesterday at the Wyndam Resort in Nassau. It also featured Prime Minister Perry Christie, who delivered the keynote speech, and chief executive officer of the Bahamas Financial Services Board Aliya Allen.

cmorris@dupuch.com