People remember the launch of the US$1.5 billion (Dh5.5bn) Atlantis Hotel in Dubai as the last big party before the recession hit. The lavish event, reported to cost $20 million, epitomized the perception of an indulgent brand in Dubai. A year afterwards, however, a hotel executive says the money was well spent, and the actual amount for the launch party was far less than $20 million.
Wendy Potter, Vice President for Finance with Atlantis, said “In the extremely challenging economy we’re in, we’re very fortunate in that we are still living off a very very successful launch that not only put Atlantis on the map, but also put Dubai on the map.” Atlantis had budgeted 10 percent of its revenues for advertising, twice the amount most hotels spend. Miss Potter said next year Atlantis plans to spend 5 percent of revenues on advertising.
Dating back to the Portuguese occupation of this area in the mid 1600s, the castle was built from 1669 to 1679. Construction lasted about 13 years and the product was a massive pentagonal structure, a classic example of Portuguese defense measures. The construction material comprised of slate quarried from Robben Island but some features are distinctly European such as the bell at the entrance whi...
Based in Covent Garden theatre, The Royal Opera House is one of the largest performing arts venues in London. It is home to the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The building has been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1732, but it is still considered a historical landmark and worth a visit even if you’re not planning to watch any of...
Located on the Korkeasaari Island, Helsinki Zoo is the biggest attraction for children in Finland. The Zoo covers hundreds of acres of land and has a collection of animals and birds. Children love looking at the animals while they feed them and marvel at their size and colors! Many engaging activities have also been developed for kids in the Sea Life section of the Zoo such as having your child’s ...
A simple yet poignant monument to the Jews shot and thrown into the Danube by the fascist Arrow Cross Party in 1944, you’ll find this monument south of V Kossuth Lajos ter. Sixty pairs of cast iron boots and shoes circa the 1940s are scattered on the river’s bank. Location: V Pesti also rakpart ...