Press Release: Sun International
October 24, 2000
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas -- With $850 million invested in creating one of the most memorable and exciting resorts
in the world, it is not surprising that Sun International has launched an Internet presence for its flagship property
that creates a virtual vacation experience so real that all that is missing is the tan. Using innovative multimedia
technology and 360-degree photography, the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort's new web site provides on-line visitors
a sense of discovery and entertainment uncommon in travel websites and enables users to research, plan, personalize
and book their vacation.
The site, http://www.Atlantis.com incorporates the latest Internet technologies
to create a virtual experience that brings Atlantis to life in a memorable and exciting manner. Not a minor accomplishment
given that the 2,326-room resort, inspired by the legend of the Lost Continent of Atlantis, is internationally
renowned for its highly original design and extensive recreational facilities, including an imaginative 44-acre
Marine Habitat, second in size and scope only to Mother Nature, which serves as home to 50,000 spectacular marine
creatures, including rare and unusual sharks, rays and tropical fish.
``Atlantis delivers a resort experience different from anything that is available to the vacationer or business
traveler today, said Howard C. Karawan, Sun International's executive vice president and corporate marketing officer.
''We wanted our guests to feel the excitement of the property even as they plan their visit. As the Internet continues
to revolutionize travel purchasing, we expect that this website will set standards for others to follow. In its
depth and service orientation, it redefines user-friendly as a customer benefit.``
Designed by Rare Medium, Inc. (Nasdaq: RRRR), an award-winning Internet services firm and using IPIX 360-degree
rotational photography, Atlantis.com is considered so creative and technologically robust that it serves as a case
study in high-tech applications.
Simply put, Atlantis.com enables users to explore and understand the many facets of the resort including its amenities,
facilities and activities, and then design and book vacation choices based on individual interests.
Included in the site's functionality are the ability to compare accommodations and room categories according to
preference, convenience and budget, book vacation plans, such as the new series of Destination Atlantis packages
and review dining options at the resort's 38 restaurants and lounges by cuisine, price, atmosphere and personal
tastes. Users can also explore sightseeing options and a variety of unique property facilities, including the highly
acclaimed and popular Discovery Channel Camp for children designed in partnership with The Discovery Channel. The
site also includes the latest news from Atlantis, a special events calendar, seasonal promotions and continually
updated weather forecasting of on-island conditions.
For gaming enthusiasts, Atlantis.com features extensive information about the Atlantis Casino, including slots
and table games, tournaments and casino events. There is also a ``play for fun'' online gaming feature, where players
can try their luck at a variety of games, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, slots, and video poker.
Atlantis.com also provides links to other related sites, including Sun International's Ocean Club and Harborside
at Atlantis timeshare resort, the company's corporate website describing its other resorts around the world and
to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Special areas of the site have been designed for meeting and incentive planners.
In addition to the features listed above, the website will be continually adapted to better suit the needs of both
its leisure and industry audience. Future plans include expanding the booking options to offer complete vacation
packages that will include airfare, on-island transfers and accommodations, and adding dining and activity reservation
selections. Soon, travel agents also will be able to utilize the website for direct on-line bookings for their
clients.
``There is so much to do at Atlantis that the more our guests know about the property before arrival the better
their experiences will be when they are here. The resort appeals to families, honeymooners, meetings, sports enthusiasts
and casino players, and the new website allows them to have a virtual Atlantis vacation and then plan their stays
to maximize every moment at the property,'' said Karawan.
Atlantis, Paradise Island features accommodations in the incomparable, 1,201-room luxury Royal Towers and the Coral
and Beach Towers; 38 restaurants, bars and lounges; an innovatively designed casino; an impressive collection of
stylish boutiques and shops, a full-service spa and extensive meeting and convention facilities. The spectacular
Atlantis Marine Habitat includes The Dig, an elaborate underground archeological maze representing what life may
have been like for ``Atlanteans'' over 11,000 years ago. Resort guests also enjoy 11 swimming areas, including
thrilling water slides in a life-sized Mayan Temple and other gentler water rides, cascading waterfalls, a snorkeling
lagoon and a seemingly endless stretch of beach that has been called the most beautiful in the world.
The Atlantis Sports Center features tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a four-lane lap pool and an 18-hole
putting course. The 63-slip Marina at Atlantis accommodates luxury yachts up to 200 feet in length. And, Atlantis'
younger guests enjoy the year-round fun at The Discovery Channel Camp and Club Rush teen center, a unique entertainment
experience designed in response to surveyed teen guests.
Atlantis, Paradise Island information and reservations are available at 800-ATLANTIS or http://www.Atlantis.com.
SOURCE: Sun International