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  Today Online 21 Nov 06
Kerzner's kiddie package aims to ensure parents have fun, too
 Val Chua

AS THE race for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) enters its final phase, Kerzner CapitaLand has unveiled an entertainment strategy that goes big on the kiddie crowd.

From baby-sitters for bawling infants to a teens-only night club, the Sentosa hopeful has lined up activities by drawing in partners including Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon and MTV.

"We are primarily a family-oriented operator. If you have travelled with children, you'd know that you can either have a good holiday with them, or a nightmare," said Mr Tobin Prior, president of Kerzner International's International Division, in a tele-conference yesterday.

For a start, the proposed Atlantis Sentosa--which will be scrutinised by senior civil servants in presentations next week--will feature interactive television studios. Not only can MTV channels in Asia utilise the new studios for their events, child visitors can also have the chance to get on stage with SpongeBob SquarePants.

Eager to show how it can fit the bill for the Sentosa IR--which is slanted towards family tourists--Kerzner is also touting the educational value of its nine attractions.

Its five AquaLabs allow children and their parents to be marine specialists, by experimenting with interactive sea creatures, including those from 500 million years ago as well as future breeds.

Visitors can experience the bottom of the sea without getting wet, through a 4D theatre, and get "attacked" by sharks in one of its water rides.

Students on learning trips can also visit a proposed fish hospital where "patients" are being cared for.

For shoppers, Kerzner has lined up more than 60 stores and boutiques that would be "complementary" to the nearby Vivocity. Examples include a chocolate and candy factory, and an ice-cream wonderland.

Half of Atlantis Sentosa's revenue will come from non-gaming activities, said Mr Prior.

Asked how different it will be from its existing Atlantis resort at the Bahamas, he said: "The only similarity is that the resort is a celebration of the sea. In terms of the execution, it's a radically different product. The architecture has got technology embedded in it. It's highly evolved from the current Atlantis."

Meanwhile, rival Eighth Wonder is wooing Singaporeans with a chance for 50 fans to dine with Eighth Wonder's chairman Mark Advent and his partners, which may include chef Alain Ducasse and soccer legend Pele, on Nov 29.

To showcase its bid, it has set up a website, www.harrysisland.com.sg.
Some questions...
Why do these fish and dolphins require rehabilitation and hospitalisation?
Isn't it better to focus on prevention than cure?
Where do they come from? If they are injured, is it good to air freight them to a hospital thousands of miles away? Will they then be air freighted back all the way to point of origin for release?

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