Atlantic City Continues Transition from Casino-Centric Market to Multi-Faceted Tourism Destination

Non-Gaming Sectors Showing Significant and Sustained Growth 

Within Atlantic City, non-gaming revenues have increased by more than $160 million in just the last two years and are now approaching $1 billion annually. 

The CRDA has attracted more than $700 million in capital investment, with more than $290 million in process, to continue to grow the market’s non-gaming amenities

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (July 10, 2014) / PR Newswire / — Atlantic City’s beach is busy, its Boardwalk is bustling, its nightclubs are buzzing, its restaurants are full and its stores are enjoying brisk sales. In short, it’s a typical summer day at the seaside resort.

Amid all the umbrellas in the sand and visitors strolling on the Boardwalk, the fact is that Atlantic City is a destination in transition.

Atlantic City, which used to be one of only two U.S. jurisdictions with legalized casino gaming, is currently in the midst of an aggressive, multi-year effort to broaden its appeal among non-gamers. As gaming supply outstrips demand regionally and nationally, mature casino markets such as Atlantic City, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and others are being impacted by the proliferation of casino gambling nationwide.

The glut of slot machines and table games recently led ratings agency Moody’s Investors Services Inc. to lower its outlook on the nation’s casino industry to “negative” from “stable.” Total domestic gaming revenue was down 1.8 percent in April and 0.8 percent in May for 15 of 18 jurisdictions that had released May results in time to be included in the Moody’s report.

Regionally, New Jersey, Delaware and Connecticut are facing significant competition from casinos in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland.

“Consider that Atlantic City was host to nearly 39,000 slot positions in 2006,” said Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian. “Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland have since nearly doubled the number of regional slot positions, adding 36,000 – with more to come. Fortunately, this trend of increased supply and competition isn’t a surprise to Atlantic City. We’re making significant progress in our transition to a destination that relies less on casino gambling and more on a comprehensive mix of attractions to draw tourists to the Jersey Shore.”

New Jersey Tourism 
Tourism is the third most important industry in the state of New Jersey. Atlantic County represents 20 percent of the Garden State’s tourism industry, with Atlantic City serving as the single most significant contributor. At the same time that the local casino industry is necessarily contracting in response to regional and national gaming saturation, Atlantic City is seeing significant growth in other critical sectors, including dining, entertainment and retail.

“In Atlantic County, non-gaming revenues have increased by $240 million, from $4.72 billion in 2010 to $4.96 billion in 2013,” said Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) Executive Director John Palmieri. “Within Atlantic City, non-gaming revenues have increased by more than $160 million in just the last two years and are now approaching $1 billion annually.”

The CRDA has attracted more than $700 million in capital investment, with more than $290 million in process, to continue to grow the market’s non-gaming amenities, Palmieri said.

Leisure Travel 
Another indicator of the growth in entertainment spending is represented by the luxury tax receipts – taxes on alcoholic beverage, tickets and other amusement attractions.

• In the first quarters of 2011, 2012 and 2013, these receipts averaged 20.7 percent higher than the four-year average from 2007 to 2010, growing from $5.6 million quarterly to $6.8 million. On the same basis, second quarter receipts were 33.1 percent higher, third quarter receipts were 20.8 percent higher and fourth quarter receipts were 20.2 percent higher.
• Atlantic County’s retail sector has expanded over the past three years, with 2013 retail wages and salaries increasing 8.1 percent relative to 2010, from $381.9 million to $412.9 million. Wages at full-service restaurants in Atlantic County reached estimated 2013 levels that were 28.3 percent ahead of 2010 -- $128.1 million to $164.3 million – and bars were 42.7 percent ahead ($12.8 million to $18.3 million).

The influx of visitors seeking a leisure getaway has been fueled by an innovative mix of special events, new attractions and modern facilities, said Atlantic City Alliance CEO Liza Cartmell.

“We’re proud to host A-list performers such as Lady Gaga, who did a sold-out show at Boardwalk Hall earlier this summer, and feature top-flight entertainers in free concerts on our magnificent beach,” Cartmell said. “We just concluded the Sand Sculpting World Cup and look forward to welcoming AVP pro beach volleyball back to Atlantic City in the months to come.”

Meetings and Conventions 
In addition to broadening its appeal among tourists, Atlantic City is positioning itself for considerable growth in the meetings and conventions space. Caesars Entertainment, the largest casino operator in Atlantic City, is investing $126 million in a new, state-of-the-art convention center at its Harrah’s property in the Marina District.

Since 2009, group bookings at the core group travel properties has grown from 274,000 room nights to more than 361,000 room nights – an increase of more than 22 percent. Atlantic City currently owns just about 6 percent of room nights used for group business whereas regional convention and meetings hotels currently run at roughly 25 percent, providing the destination significant opportunity to grow its convention nights moving forward.

In 2014, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority selected Global Spectrum to manage the Atlantic City Convention Center and Historic Boardwalk Hall. The CRDA also authorized the creation of a new convention sales organization, called Meet AC, to be laser focused on building the group, meeting and convention business.

“Atlantic City’s revitalization won’t happen overnight, but as we continue to diversify our offerings, attract new investment, maximize our material assets and identify new and innovative ways to promote our differentiating characteristics, Atlantic City will grow stronger and stand taller for having experienced its recent challenges,” Guardian said.

Source: ACA

RIU to inaugurate its first Riu Plaza Hotel in the United States in November

RIU to inaugurate its first Riu Plaza Hotel in the United States in November

Palma de Mallorca, 7th July 2014

• The popular Hotel Riu Florida Beach is closed for a major conversion into the Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach
• Its outstanding location on the Miami Beach front, 25 minutes away from the airport and just 15 minutes away from Downtown Miami, make it the ideal hotel for presenting RIU’s urban hotel brand in the United States

RIU Hotels & Resorts will inaugurate on 1 November 2014 its first Riu Plaza urban hotel brand in the United States. The Hotel Riu Florida Beach is closed for a major refurbishment following which it will open its doors as the Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach. While maintaining its characteristic façade, the hotel will completely change its interior décor to adapt the facilities to the standard of service of the modern and cosmopolitan Riu Plaza line. Total contemplated investment in the project is 15 million dollars.

The Hotel has an enviable location on Collins Avenue, with direct access to the famous Miami Beach and walk, near the famous Ocean Drive restaurant and bar zone, and very close to Downtown Miami, just 25 minutes away from Miami International Airport. The hotel is also perfect for shopping lovers as it is close to the renowned Lincoln Road and offers direct transport to Miami’s largest malls. 

The new Riu Plaza Miami Beach will maintain all 284 of its bedrooms, which will be given a new design and completely new bathrooms in a very modern style with glass and steel prevailing in the decor. It will also offer a new main restaurant with a terrace overlooking the garden and the sea; a new 'Capital Take Away' in the lobby, with take-away bites and beverages; in addition to a new swimming pool bar. 

The hotel, which can be booked as accommodation only, with breakfast or half-board, will provide free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel, including the rooms, as well as a complete gym.

The Riu Plaza hotel collection in the United States will expand to a second member at the end of 2015. The Riu Plaza New York Times Square is currently under construction in the very heart of Manhattan.

Source: Riu Hotels

Riu Hotels are Preferred By Berman Travel 866-934-6292

Atlantis Paradise Island to Join Marriott Internationals Portfolio of Independent Hotels

Caribbean’s Most Popular Destination Resort -- Atlantis, Paradise Island -- to Join Marriott International’s Exclusive Portfolio of Independent Hotels 

Marriott International, Inc. announced  that the iconic Atlantis, Paradise Island resort will become part of its Autograph Collection, a rapidly growing exclusive portfolio of over 60 independent hotels in key locations across the globe.

Read The Entire Press Release from Marriott Here

Atlantis Paradise Island is Preferred with BermanTravel View Berman Travel Videos Here

RIU enters the exotic island of Mauritius with the acquisition of a three-hotel resort

RIU enters the exotic island of Mauritius with the acquisition of a three-hotel resort

Palma de Majorca, 1st July 2014

• The chain will invest a total of 80 million euros on the purchase and renovation of the resort’s three hotels on the Le Morne peninsula
• The Riu Le Morne, Riu Creole and Riu Coral, to open in February 2015, are 4-star hotels and will offer RIU’s All-Inclusive 24 hours service over a total of 530 rooms

RIU Hotels & Resorts has just finalized the purchase of a resort with three hotels located on the stunning Le Morne peninsula, on the Island of Mauritius. The new RIU Resort of Mauritius is made up of the Riu Le Morne (Adults Only by RIU), Riu Creole and Riu Coral which are now closed for a refurbishment to adapt their facilities to RIU’s standards of service. Total investment in the project will be 80 million euros. All three hotels lead directly onto the beach, are 4-star and from their opening in February 2014 will offer RIU’s renowned All Inclusive 24 Hours service.

The Riu Le Morne has 219 rooms and will be for adults only. In a sophisticated setting, guests of this hotel will be able to enjoy four restaurants and five bars, one of them in the swimming pool with a chill out area. The Hotel Riu Creole, meanwhile, has 167 rooms, three restaurants and five bars; while the Riu Coral, with 144 rooms, also offers three restaurants and five bars. These last two hotels will be ideal for stays with family or friends thanks to their complete daily activities programme and the RiuLand children’s entertainment club. 

The resort has a complete spa with a wide selection of relaxation and beauty treatments, in addition to the water zone. The clients of all three hotels will be able to enjoy live music and shows organised each night in the show venue located at the Riu Creole, which also contains the discotheque for all the resort’s customers. 

Mauritius is paradise for water sport lovers. The island is considered to be one of the best places in the world for kitesurf and on the very beach of the RIU Resort guests will be able to practice windsurfing, kayaking, snorkel and paddle surfing, amongst other activities.

Mauritius is an island country located in the southwest of the Indian Ocean, 900 kilometres away from the eastern coast of Madagascar. The new RIU hotels are located in the southeast of the island, 60 kilometres away from the country’s capital, Port Louis, and 60 km away from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam international airport.

The beaches of Le Morne, with their white sand and crystal-clear waters protected by a coral reef are simply stunning. Le Morne peninsula is a natural paradise and a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beauty and symbolism. It is overlooked by Brabant, a basalt rock mountain with an altitude of more than 550 metres, which became the symbol of the abolition of slavery after serving for years as a refuge for slaves who had fled. 

Lagoons, rivers, cascades, forests, rare native flower species and a rich fauna make up the natural wealth of this island, which along with the warmth of its climate and cultural mix of its inhabitants, forms part of its major attractions.

Source: Riu Hotels

Berman Travel are RIU Hotel specialists 866-934-6292 www.BermanTravel.com