United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Tributes paid to hotelier Sol Kerzner
Sol Kerzner, who founded the Atlantis hotel in the Bahamas, as well as several other resorts worldwide, has died aged 84.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation said it was ‘deeply saddened’.
In a statement, it said: "He brought an original perspective to developing his hospitality brands, and the launch of The Atlantis brought new attention and a revitalization to The Bahamas, which contributed greatly to the phenomenal growth we have seen as our tourism industry has matured.
"We are proud to have been the birthplace of The Atlantis concept and are pleased to have enjoyed his partnership and support for more than 25 years.
"Many thousands of Bahamians have been a part of the extended Atlantis team with many of them launching careers as tourism professionals in that organisation.
"Sol Kerzner’s impact on our nation will live on well beyond his years and for that, we remain eternally grateful."
Bahamas Minister of Tourism DIonisio D’Aguilar said: "Sol Kerzner was a giant in the hospitality industry and we shall not see his likeness again. His vision for Atlantis reshaped our skyline here in Nassau and redefined The Bahamas vacation for many millions. He will be sorely missed."
Kerzner was the developer behind South Africa’s Sun City, which became known as ‘Sin City’. He also set up luxurious hotels such as Le Touessrok and Saint-Géran in Mauritius, and the Palms in Dubai.
Related News Stories:
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled