Discovering Guam

Discovering Guam
Until very recently not many people could have told you where Guam was located, or even what was there.

Recent political events have certainly changed that.
With intense, global media attention in recent months, however, many outlets like CNN, the BBC and others took the time to really look behind the breaking news. What they found and repeatedly reported on was the amazing people, the beauty of the island, the wonderful attractions and the importance of tourism to its economy.

The stories revealed the special spirit of the nearly 170,000 residents who are predominantly American citizens but who also strongly honor the ancient and vibrant Chamorro culture.

They also unveiled stunning images of the unspoiled, stunning, natural beauty of Guam.

From an economic standpoint, they talked about the growing leisure travel, conference & meeting, and incentive travel market in Guam – propelled not only by its authentic style and unique experience opportunities, but also its modern hotels and convention center and strong technology infrastructure.

Guam will once again have a booth at IMEX America #3041 and is anticipating great interest from event planners and buyers from the US, Asia, Australia and many other regions.

Who’s Been Coming and Why?
In just one example of who’s coming to Guam, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) & PATA (Pacific Asian Travel Association) held their 2016 Annual Conference in Guam which brought many influential industry leaders to the island, and delighted them with all that Guam has to offer,

Japanese, South Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese and American tourists and incentive groups have also been enjoying their experiences of Guam.

While Guam has more than 8,860 modern hotel rooms and hotels run by leading brands such as Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton and Westin – as well as the new Guam Convention Center at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort – Guam also has its own distinctive local style which creates memorable events and experiences.

Business and pleasure visitors alike can take in outdoor fiestas featuring traditional, Chamorro food and festivities like fresh caught seafood & edible seaweed, traditional dancing, music and coconut cracking.

Hiking and walking up into the hills of Guam – or “Boonie Stomping” as it’s known locally – uncovers gorgeous flora, fauna and jungle waterfalls. Golf, dolphin watching and water sports like snorkeling and diving are also among the many activities offering a wide range of incentive options.

Guam has also built a strong technology infrastructure with superfast Wifi – bringing together the best of unplugged and fully connected options and activities.

The world is discovering Guam – and that it has plenty to offer.
https://www.guamvisitorsbureau.com/

Guam Visitors Bureau
www.guamvisitorsbureau.com

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#Guam #UNWTO #WTO #PATA #IMEXAmerica #MICEnews #MICEmedia #TourismNews

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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#Outrigger #HotelMarketing #DestinationMarketing #MICEnews #TourismNews

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.

Guam Visitors Bureau Buoyant about MICE Growth

Guam Visitors Bureau Buoyant about MICE Growth as new Convention Center Wraps Successful First Year

The island of Guam, a US Territory, is generating increasing interest and business in the MICE industry as an emerging destination among organizations in North America and Asia — particularly following the opening last November of the new Convention Center at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort.

With 9,450 hotel rooms on the island as a whole and several venues capable of hosting everything from small groups to conventions with up to 4,000 delegates, Guam offers a fresh alternative for meetings, conferences and incentives.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization & PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) 2016 Annual Summit were held in Guam earlier this year, while the World Health Organization Conference in 2015 and MetLife & Toyota events highlight the world class organizations that endorse Guam’s meetings credentials.

Pilar Laguana, Director of Global Marketing of the Guam Visitors Bureau commented: “We’ve seen a notable rise in enquiries and bookings from the meetings and incentive travel sector in the last 12 months. The Convention Center and our investment in dedicated MICE sector marketing such as exhibiting at IMEX America for the first time in 2015 have significantly boosted awareness and interest. We have especially had more incoming contacts from China, Korea, and North America and expect this growth to continue following IMEX America 2016.”

Guam combines unspoiled natural beauty, superb traditional food and culture, and meetings capabilities with technology. Having been able to build up a tech infrastructure from a clean slate, the island offers strong wifi connectivity, and the Guam Visitors Bureau is creating a Guam meetings planner portal, as well as developing a Smart Guam strategy to help delegates leverage mobile devices and the Internet of Things.

Pilar Laguana, Director of Global Marketing sums up: “Guam is well equipped to accommodate a wide variety of conferences, incentives, team-building and networking events for any industry sector.

“The growth in the MICE sector follows a significant increase in overall visitor numbers to the island which have doubled in recent years and we expect MICE industry business also to grow substantially in the next few years.”

http://www.visitguam.com/mice/

https://www.guamvisitorsbureau.com/marketing/business-marketing/mice