Atlantis Dubai is strengthening its presence in India through strategic partnerships
How was 2024 for Atlantis Resorts globally and specifically in relation to the Indian market?
2024 was a successful year for Atlantis Dubai, across multiple regions, driven by an increase in travel demand post-pandemic. There was a notable rise in both leisure and business travel, with many Indian guests preferring luxurious resort experiences for family vacations, celebrations, and corporate retreats.
What is the profile of your Indian customers and has it changed over the past few years?
Indian customers typically look for luxury, exclusivity and family-friendly experiences. They are diverse, spanning young professionals, multi-generational families and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) seeking premium services. Over the past few years, we have observed a shift towards younger generations seeking experiential travel especially those in the 25-40 age group focusing on wellness, adventure, and personalized experiences.
Do corporate clients or high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) tend to favour Atlantis Resorts more in the Indian market?
Both corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) are strong segments for Atlantis Dubai in the Indian market. HNIs often choose Atlantis for luxury vacations, destination weddings, and exclusive family getaways. Corporate clients, on the other hand, frequently visit for conferences, team-building retreats, and incentive travel. While HNIs drive leisure stays, corporate groups also make up a significant portion of demand, especially for customised MICE offerings.
What do Indian customers look for when choosing your hotels?
Indian customers typically look for a combination of luxury, comfort, and value for money. Family-friendly amenities, world-class dining, high-end spa and wellness facilities, and exclusive experiences like private villas or luxury suites are crucial factors. Additionally, the ease of travel, connectivity, and special offers for groups or weddings play an important role in their decision-making process.
Have you noticed a growing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) or destination weddings from India?
Yes, there has been a noticeable uptick in demand for both MICE and destination weddings from India. Many Indian corporations are opting for Atlantis Resorts to host high-end conferences and incentive programmes due to the facilities and luxury services we offer. Destination weddings are also increasingly popular, with couples looking for resorts that can provide a memorable experience for themselves and their guests.
What strategies do you have in place to drive demand from India? How do you plan to further expand your presence in the market?
Our strategies to drive demand from India include tailored marketing campaigns, partnerships with luxury travel agents, and engaging in targeted events and roadshows in key Indian cities. Expansion plans include increasing our presence at luxury travel fairs and exploring new partnerships with Indian airlines for better connectivity.
Is your outreach in India primarily focused on B2C or B2B segments?
Our outreach in India is a balanced mix of both B2C and B2B. While we work directly with high-net-worth individuals and consumers through our marketing campaigns, we also collaborate extensively with travel agents, luxury tour operators, and corporate partners in the B2B space. Our B2B efforts are especially focused on corporate clients, destination wedding planners, and event organisers for MICE.
What kind of growth do you expect from the Indian market this year?
We anticipate continued growth in the Indian market, especially as the travel industry rebounds and Indians increasingly seek premium international travel experiences. The demand for luxury family vacations, MICE, and destination weddings is expected to grow. We are targeting a growth in the number of Indian guests, with a particular focus on growing repeat business from loyal customers and attracting new segments, including younger, more adventurous travellers.