On July 1, the Pocono Mountains region returned to its historic roots as a major resort destination with the Phase One opening of a blockbuster new property from Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. Already established in the Midwest with authentically African-themed resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Sandusky, Ohio, Kalahari is already making waves with its first East Coast property.
The resort makes its debut with 457 rooms, a 100,000-square-foot convention center and Pennsylvania’s largest indoor waterpark. Other features include an outdoor waterpark with a huge outdoor pool, 30,000-square-foot family entertainment center, three full-service dining experiences, 6,000 square feet of retail and the Spa Kalahari & Salon. Now under way and targeting completion by spring 2017, Phase Two will boost the room count to nearly 1,000 and create the largest indoor waterpark in the nation.
Kalahari’s unique combination of conference and hospitality services with waterpark and vacation experiences under one roof is a big splash for East Coast groups.
“The Poconos is one of the premier tourist destinations in the country,” says Kalahari Vice President and Managing Director Steve Magnuson. “With 45 million people within a three-hour drive, the area draws a diverse visitor mix, including day-trippers, families and young couples. Catering to groups of all sizes, our convention facility is unprecedented in the area, offering 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.”
Group market expertise is another Kalahari calling card.
“Combined, our staff has more than 400 years of experience in the group space, hosting more than 22,000 groups and 1.4 million group nights since the company’s inception,” says Kevin Shanley, corporate director of sales. “With an average block pick-up rate of 108 percent, Kalahari has a proven ability to increase meeting attendance and satisfaction and provide a completely unique and authentic experience. From associations and corporate meetings to trade shows, large conventions, family reunions and groups of faith, nobody does groups like we do.”
