Outrigger Resorts Launches Exclusive Global Honeymoon Platform

Outrigger Resorts Launches Exclusive Global Honeymoon Platform

PHUKET, THAILAND – To coincide with the start of ITB Asia in Singapore, Oct. 25, Outrigger Resorts is launching a range of nine honeymoon packages for all of its Pacific, Asian and Indian Ocean beachfront resorts this week.

The packages cover some of the most desirable and iconic honeymoon destinations in the world: Maldives, Mauritius, Hawaii, Fiji, Guam, and Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.

“Outrigger has made it easy for couples to plan a dream honeymoon and celebrate in paradise,” said Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Outrigger Enterprises Group, who is attending ITB Asia this week. “Our global honeymoon platform is an extension of the Outrigger Resorts Signature Experiences – inviting guests to ‘Escape Ordinary’ – and in this case, love every minute of the authentic tropical adventure.”

Each Outrigger “Honeymoon Getaway Package” is customized to the host location; standard inclusions typically feature breakfast in bed, romantic flower decorations and a selection of rich chocolates or a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Newlyweds visiting Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort would enjoy a dreamy sunset cruise with cocktails and canapés or at Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort an extraordinary honeymoon dinner on the beach and a 30-minute couple’s massage.

Six of the Outrigger Resorts in Maldives, Thailand, Fiji and Mauritius are also announcing “Ultimate Honeymoon Packages.” In these, couples enjoy all the features of the “Honeymoon Getaway,” plus additional romantic elements, such as a sundown cruise and Swedish massage at Castaway Island, Fiji; a couple’s spa treatment and VIP Mercedes-Benz airport transfers Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort; a honeymoon seafood dinner on the resort jetty and a couple’s massage in the VIP cabin at the spa for Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort; and a candlelit dinner for two on the beach at Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.

Newlywed honeymoon couples can also join Outrigger Resorts’ beachfront vow renewal ceremonies at each Outrigger Resort. “Pledging allegiance to each other through a local culture ceremony adds additional emotional depth to the honeymoon experience,” said Dee.

Outrigger Resorts, which is celebrating its 70th Platinum Anniversary this year, has offered free vow renewal ceremonies at select properties for the past 15 years. With approximately 1,000 couples renewing their vows at Outrigger each year, that’s 15,000 couples who have already rekindled their love at Outrigger.

For the “Honeymoon Getaway” and “Ultimate Honeymoon” packages, each Outrigger resort requires a minimum stay between three to five nights, depending on the destination. The travel period for the honeymoon packages at all Outrigger Resorts is through Dec. 31, 2018. Guests must provide proof that their marriage date occurred less than one year prior to arrival.

Full details, terms and conditions are available on the Outrigger honeymoon overview page here on Outrigger.com. A click from the page shows the dynamic pricing of all honeymoon packages across the resorts. Prices vary according to date and can be viewed in each visitor’s preferred currency.

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#UltimateHoneymoon #Outrigger #OutriggerResorts #HotelNews #HotelMarketing #MICEnews #TourismNews

Outrigger Resorts Celebrates World Oceans Month with OZONE Eco-Activities

Outrigger Resorts Celebrates World Oceans Month with OZONE Eco-Activities
Guests can get in the OZONE with hands-on educational activities and lectures, beach cleanups, eco-tourism packages and more as part of Outrigger’s global conservation initiative

HONOLULU – Outrigger Resorts is kicking off World Oceans Month with enough coral planted, monitored and protected to cover approximately 100 football fields’ worth of coral since the 2015 launch of its global conservation initiative, OZONE (Outrigger’s ZONE).

In response to more than 60 percent of the world’s reefs depleting and under immediate threat from climate change, land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing, Outrigger’s OZONE conservation program encourages guests to become part of the solution. Coral planting in Fiji, snorkeling with a resident marine biologist in Maldives, viewing the ocean through a glass bottom boat in Mauritius, swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii, visiting a marine rehabilitation center in Thailand, and walking through an underwater aquarium tunnel in Guam are a sample of the hands-on educational opportunities offered year-round for Outrigger guests.

This June, throughout World Oceans Month, Outrigger Resorts properties worldwide are offering a diverse range of immersive activities and conservation opportunities for Outrigger guests to get in the OZONE mind-set and make a difference, even while on vacation.

“We define ‘The Outrigger Way’ as caring for the guest, the host and the place – OZONE is Outrigger’s pathway of action to care for the oceans surrounding the iconic destinations at which Outrigger Resorts are located,” said Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group. “With help from our guests, Outrigger has grown and protected 100 football fields’ worth of coral, but this is just the beginning – the level of interest and engagement has inspired us to continue offering OZONE experiences that are eco-friendly, memorable and make a positive impact.”

OZONE Month + World Oceans Month Highlights
Outrigger Resorts’ beachfront properties are offering a range of educational and volunteer activities, family entertainment, exciting adventures and more – all in an effort to preserve the global coral systems and oceans’ biodiversity. Highlights from each destination include:
Hawaii: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort will feature live Hawaiian music, educational exhibits, games and more at the Waikiki Aquarium on June 24.
Visitors of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort are invited to visit and partake in an educational tour at the Phuket Aquarium and the Phuket Marine Biological Center, a rehabilitation center for turtles and other marine life that have been injured by debris, as well as participate in a local beach cleanup. Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort will be planting coconut trees and doing a beach cleanup.
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort will host an educational workshop for building and then sinking “fish houses” made of transplanted coral, which will become a coral nursery and attract a number of fish and other marine life over time. Castaway Island, Fiji will host a butterfly fish count, coastal tree planting, sunset kayak and night snorkel for guests.
Outrigger Guam Beach Resort is adjacent to and supports UnderWater World – Guam’s popular aquarium that teaches about the island’s vibrant sea life with a spectacular walk-through glass tunnel. The property will have a beach cleanup and mini fair with educational outreach, ocean crafts, raffle drawings and face painting.
Those visiting Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort can participate in a coral restoration workshop with the resident marine biologist, have some fun with a special #worldoceansday selfie stand with props and join in family activities available through the resort.
Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort will offer educational activities and glass bottom boat tours for guests to discover the beauty of various coral gardens in the lagoon in front of the resort.
OZONE Eco-Adventure Package
Guests at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort are invited to explore the ocean and safely scope out the fascinating world of Hawaii’s endangered green sea turtles with the OZONE Eco-Adventure Package. The offer features a buy-one, get-one-free Snorkel Eco-Adventure Sail Tour, two admission tickets to the Waikiki Aquarium and an in-room welcome gift that includes reef-friendly sunscreen, swim goggles, and a dive mesh bag to help with collecting plastics and other debris found in the ocean or on the beach. Starting at $239 per room, per night (taxes and fees not included), reservations can be made online at outrigger.com/ozone.

Conservation in Action
While the OZONE program will be highlighted on World Oceans Day, June 8, with special activations across all properties, Outrigger Resorts participate in year-round global and local efforts with dozens of opportunities for marine education and conservation activities. Outrigger hosts put the company’s conservation mission into action by participating in green initiatives across local communities such as marine environment educational sessions, field trips to beaches, coastal wetlands and mangroves and beach clean ups. As a result of the clean-up efforts, Outrigger’s Waikiki properties collectively recycled more than 354,000 pounds of aluminium, plastic, paper and glass.

Located on iconic beaches in Hawaii, Thailand, Guam, Fiji, Mauritius, and Maldives, Outrigger Resorts is dedicated to marine preservation and works year-round on a range of initiatives to generate awareness for the cause, as well as create opportunities for guests to help with the crucial marine ecosystems conservation. Please visit www.outrigger.com/events to learn more about each Outrigger Resort’s activations, as well as www.outrigger.com/ozone for more information.

Outrigger Resorts would also like to thank all its global partners for making World Oceans Month 2017 a success:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System
Waikiki Aquarium (Hawaii)
Underwater World (Guam)
Mamanuca Environment Society (Fiji)
Reef Conservation Mauritius
Best Dives Maldives
Pure Blue Foundation in Thailand

 

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Pack for Paradise with Outrigger Resorts and GHA’s “Travel the World” Sweepstakes

Pack for Paradise with Outrigger Resorts and GHA’s “Travel the World” Sweepstakes
New Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty program launches with the brand’s largest-ever sweepstakes, the chance to win a global getaway to nine iconic beachfront Outrigger Resorts

PHUKET, THAILAND – As the newest hospitality brand to join the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Outrigger Resorts is debuting its first-ever loyalty program with a chance for members to win the adventure of a lifetime and vacation at nine beachfront Outrigger Resorts. Airfare included, one lucky winner will have a chance to travel to some of the world’s most iconic beach destinations, including Hawaii, Fiji, Guam, Mauritius, Maldives and more.

Twenty-five second-prize winners will receive a complimentary four-night stay at an Outrigger Resorts property of their choosing. To enter for a chance to see the world with GHA and Outrigger Resorts, become a DISCOVERY member at: outrigger.com/traveltheworld.

GHA is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands dedicated to experiential travel. Each DISCOVERY member receives exclusive experiential rewards, which allow them to immerse themselves in the culture and history of its location, while enjoying traditional benefits of loyalty – such as room upgrades, comfort-enhancing perks and more. Rather than accruing points, DISCOVERY members collect Local Experience awards to redeem for innovative, authentic adventures meant to connect each traveler more deeply with their destination and its people, and make each stay truly unforgettable. DISCOVERY has three membership levels: Gold, Platinum and Black.

“Outrigger Resorts is a fantastic addition to our DISCOVERY collection of 34 independent luxury hotel brands, all of which are distinct in character and are geared to travelers in search of unique properties and authentic local experiences,” said Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance. “Outrigger’s properties expand and strengthen our presence in iconic beachfront destinations where its resorts are located.”

“The DISCOVERY program aligns seamlessly with our goal of creating memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests and we look forward to reaching even more discerning global travelers as part of the Global Hotel Alliance,” said Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

From hula and ukulele lessons in Hawaii to a private reef tour in Fiji or romantic dinner for two in the Maldives, Outrigger Resorts offers an extensive selection of local experiences for DISCOVERY member guests to enjoy. To learn more about the DISCOVERY program or to become a recognized DISCOVERY member, visit http://www.outrigger.com/discovery or connect with an Outrigger representative at http://www.outrigger.com.

GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA

GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA
Visitors from 43 countries can now get their visa for India online

Both international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 will benefit from the recent news that tourists travelling to India from 43 countries including the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Germany and Japan will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas. Following the announcement, individuals may now apply online for their tourist visa-on-arrival, entitling them to a 30-day stay in the India.

The new visa-on-arrival rules will benefit 43 countries including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua & New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam and Vanuatu.

“This is very good news for our international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 which will take place in Jaipur, from 1-3 September. These new visa rules will also help to unleash the huge potential of the country’s growing MICE industry,” said Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager ibtm india and ibtm africa, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Hosted Buyers registration for ibtm india 2015 will go live in May.

For further information on ibtm india 2015, please visit www.ibtmindia.com

 

Outrigger Acquires Two Fiji Properties

Outrigger Acquires Two Fiji Properties
Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji join the Outrigger portfolio as ‘owned and managed’ resorts

PRESS RELEASE
Bangkok, 3 February, 2014 Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, continues to expand its global portfolio of absolute beachfront properties with the announcement today that it has purchased from its partner, Mr. Geoffrey Shaw, the complete shareholding in the ownership company of Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji, and his privately held Castaway Island, Fiji – an iconic “private” island escape accessible only by boat, seaplane or helicopter. The two award-winning resorts combine to offer the perfect Fiji islands holiday experience. The transaction closed on January 31, 2014, for an undisclosed amount and gives Outrigger 100% ownership of Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji.

“This acquisition is consistent with the strategic growth of Outrigger in the Asia-Pacific region,” said David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “With over 66 years of experience in tropical resort destinations, our full acquisition of these two beautiful, absolute beachfront properties fits perfectly with our expansion strategies. We plan to have Outrigger resorts in the best beachfront locations in the best resort destinations in the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

Since starting its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region in 2008, Outrigger has grown its global presence to include properties currently open or under development in Australia; Guam; Bali; Phuket and Phi Phi Island, Thailand; Mauritius; Hainan Island, China; and Vietnam.

Mr. Shaw will continue as a consultant to Outrigger. “We have enjoyed a long working relationship with Geoff and look forward to utilizing his expertise as a consultant as Outrigger continues to work with the Fijian community to welcome visitors to the islands,” Mr. Carey said.

Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji
The Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji is located on a 140 hectare (346 acre) piece of beachfront property in the heart of Fiji’s Coral Coast, one hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport. Australian businessman, Geoffrey Shaw, as company owner and developer of the hotel site, selected Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to manage the resort on opening, largely because of the success and values the Outrigger brand brings in operating hotels and resorts in island destinations.

Construction of the resort commenced in late 1998, with Mr.Shaw’s company overseeing the hotel’s development. Outrigger purchased a minority interest during the construction stage and provided extensive technical support throughout the development period. The resort opened on October 1, 2000, and today is branded the Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji.

According to Mr. Carey, Mr. Shaw has been instrumental in the property’s success over the past thirteen years. He obtained the necessary government approvals and community consent to redevelop the site into his vision of a unique Fijian waterfront village, combining individual bungalow ‘bure’ and hotel room accommodations set amongst lush tropical vegetation.The herculean task included moving a portion of the Queen’s Highway, the main road between Nadi and the capital city of Suva, and transplanting 250,000 tropical plants and trees. Today, individual bures set amongst the gardens and beachside along the water’s edge, together with modern low-rise hotel rooms and suites, swimming pools, multiple restaurants and a wide range of recreational facilities, combine with the genuine hospitality of the Fijians to deliver a unique guest experience.

Castaway Island, Fiji
Castaway Island, Fiji is a pristine private island resort located in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island group approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) offshore from the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. The island’s 70 hectares (174 acres) are covered in rich tropical rainforest and surrounded by white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and the azure waters of the South Pacific.

Sixty-six spacious bungalow ‘bures’ featuring traditional Fijian style thatched roofs are nestled amongst lush tropical gardens or beachside at the water’s edge. Stylish air conditioned interiors feature natural rattan and local timber furnishings and high vaulted ceilings lined with hand painted ‘tapa’ cloth — each one a unique and individual design. This private island resort, which boasts an annual 44% guest return rate, offers two fresh water swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a wide range of water sports and activities including PADI scuba diving, surfing, and a renowned kids club.

Operations of both Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island will be overseen by the Outrigger Asia-Pacific team from its regional offices in Phuket, Thailand. “We are excited to have both of these outstanding resorts in our portfolio. The unique and natural service culture of Fiji is a perfect fit for the Outrigger brand,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger managing director, Asia-Pacific.

For more information on Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji, or to make reservations, visit http://www.outrigger.com or call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444). You can also e-mail reservations@outrigger.com or contact your preferred travel agent.