Outrigger Hotels and Resorts’ 70th Anniversary kicks off

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts’ 70th Anniversary kicks off with Founders Day Festivities around the World

HONOLULU – Embarking on its Platinum 70th Anniversary, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts announced today that the iconic hospitality brand will offer a full year of celebrations, promotions and giveaways – starting with Founders Day on Sept. 29, 2017.

Outrigger’s Founders Day honors the legacy of founding members – Roy and Estelle Kelley – and the company’s inspiring 70-year journey of growing from a single Waikiki hotel into a global portfolio of 37 properties in the most desired tropical destinations across Hawaii, Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

“For seven decades, Outrigger has captured the hearts of travelers from around the globe; our distinct style of hospitality unites the guest, the host and the place to create a uniquely immersive and engaging experience,” said Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group.

“This milestone year will be one of evolution and growth as we reinvest in our properties and our people to further position Outrigger as the premier beachfront hospitality brand in the world.”

As tribute to its core founding values and 70-year milestone, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts will host an assortment of on-property activations, as well as a limited-time booking campaign and special contests for guests throughout the year, including:
Founders Day Manager’s Reception: To kick off the yearlong anniversary bash, each Outrigger Resort property will host a Hawaii-themed manager’s reception on September 29 in honor of the day that Roy and Estelle Kelley opened their first hotel in Waikiki in 1947 [note: first hotel was on Seaside Avenue.]. Along with complimentary refreshments and a decadent celebratory cake for guests, every event will also feature delicious, golden brown waffles – just like Estelle used to make for her guests – as well as fun prize drawings for attendees such as vintage shirts and tropical drinks.
Special Room Rates: For those looking to travel to either of Outrigger Resort’s iconic Waikiki Beach locations during its Platinum Anniversary celebration, the brand launched a special Founders Day booking rate from now through Sept. 20, 2017. Rates at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort start at just $179 and only $171 at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Visit www.outrigger.com/specials/founders-day to book today!
Outrigger DISCOVERY Contest: Win an epic four-night vacation through Outrigger’s DISCOVERY loyalty program. Five lucky members will receive a special package inclusive of one black-level local experience at an Outrigger Resort beachfront property, as well as airfare up to $2,000. As further incentive, members who book with the brand receive double entries for a chance to win this sweet prize. Total value of this giveaway is valued at nearly $30,000 for the five winners. Sign-up details coming soon.
Platinum Pool Party: Carrying the celebration into 2018, Outrigger will continue to honor its Platinum Anniversary with a VIP party at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s pool deck in April. Highlighting the brand’s past, present and future, the exclusive event will feature live entertainment and food from each of its six destinations to showcase its tropical expansion into travelers’ “must-visit” bucket list locales.
#OutriggerTurns70: Starting on Saturday, Sept. 10, Outrigger will be “chasing memories” and asking all of our beloved fans and guests to share their memories of Outrigger with us on social media. A memory bank with treasured stories will be created.
Since its first property opening in Waikiki in 1947, Outrigger had the vision of sharing the spirit of aloha with every guest and becoming synonymous with warm hospitality and a true vacation in paradise. Seven decades later, Outrigger continues to encourage travelers to “Escape Ordinary” and discover local cultures through enriching programs and “Signature Experiences” that create a deeper connection with the people and places they visit. Today, these founding values continue to guide the brand’s success, which has blossomed into a global company that thinks and acts locally, encompassing the Outrigger heritage as well as the spirit and culture engrained at each of its 37 properties across the globe.

To learn more about the 70th Anniversary, visit www.outrigger.com/70th-anniversary and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

---

#Outrigger #OutriggerReefWaikikiBeachResort #Anniversary #SignatureExperiences #OutriggerTurns70 #MICEnews #MICEmedia #Eventprofs #Tourism #WaikikiBeach

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

 

—
#Outrigger #HotelMarketing #DestinationMarketing #MICEnews #TourismNews

Outrigger Resorts welcomes Kelly Hoen as area GM

Outrigger Resorts welcomes Kelly Hoen as area GM
HONOLULU – Outrigger Enterprises Group announced today that Kelly Hoen has been appointed the area general manager for Outrigger’s two iconic beachfront properties in Waikiki – Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

In this role, she is responsible for sustained operational excellence at both properties, as well as direct oversight of sales strategy, market planning and revenue management. The position also includes day-to-day leadership at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, serving as its on-property general manager.

“Kelly’s track record for successfully repositioning hotels and resorts in Hawaii is unrivaled; her breadth of expertise and passion for excellence provide immense value for Outrigger as we undergo our Waikiki reinvestment and redevelopment strategy,” said Paul Richardson, chief operating officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

Hoen brings more than two decades of luxury hotel leadership to Outrigger Resorts. Most recently, she served as the general manager for The MODERN HONOLULU, a high-energy luxury lifestyle hotel at the gateway of Waikiki. Prior to this, she was the general manager of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort where she led the $80 million renovation and rebranding of this historic Waikiki Beach hotel. Before that, she was the general manager of Princeville Resort, a Luxury Collection Resort and was directly involved with the design and development what is now The St. Regis Princeville Resort.

A native of Hawaii, Hoen attended La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls in Honolulu, then went on to receive her bachelor of fine arts from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She has a penchant for professional development and holds the reputation of being one of the best mentors in Hawaii’s hospitality industry. She is a member of the La Pietra board of trustees, a member of the Aloha United Way board of directors, a member of the Easter Seals Hawaii board of directors and is the past chairperson of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association board of directors.

 

—
#OutriggerResorts #TourismNews #HotelNews #HotelMarketing #MICEnews #MICEmedia

 

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.

OUTRIGGER RESORTS WINS ‘BEST HOTEL/RESORT GROUP’

OUTRIGGER RESORTS WINS ‘BEST HOTEL/RESORT GROUP’

The Outrigger Resorts brand has beaten off strong challenges from some of the world’s largest hotel and resort operators to win one of Australia’s most prestigious travel industry awards.

PHUKET,  THAILAND – Outrigger Resorts has been hailed as the “Best Hotel/Resort Group” in the Australian Federation of Travel Agents’ National Tourism Industry Awards for Excellence,  which took place in Sydney on July 16. Outrigger saw off competition from other finalists such as Accor Hotels,  Club Med,  Starwood Hotels & Resorts,  and Leading Hotels of the World.,  , More than 500 travel industry representatives turned out for what is the Australian hospitality industry’s night of nights at Darling Harbour in Sydney to recognise and celebrate excellence across a range of categories.,  , The Hawaiian-based Outrigger Enterprises Group is a privately held,  leisure lodging,  retail and hospitality company operating in the Asia Pacific,  Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. Guided by more than 68 years of family leadership,  Outrigger runs a multi-branded portfolio of hotels,  beachfront resorts,  condominiums and vacation resort properties located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji (Coral Coast VitiLevu, Castaway Island); Thailand (Phuket, KohSamui); Mauritius; and the Maldives. The portfolio currently has 38 properties with approximately 8, 000 rooms.,  , Representatives from Outrigger’s Sydney Regional Sales Office,  Andrew Gee – Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Australia & New Zealand,  Maria Alaveras – Sales Manager- Retail Travel,  Wholesale & Industry Partners and Juliet Hudson – Sales Manager Destination Weddings,  Groups& M.I.C.E were on hand to accept the award.,  , “I can’t begin to say how proud I am of our Australia-based team, particularly Maria Alaveras who has established an excellent relationship with the travel industry community,” said Mr Gee.,  , “This really is an outstanding acknowledgement of our hard work and commitment in this market. We sincerely thank the industry for getting behind us to make this award possible. We are a very close team with an enormous passion for our wonderful values-led brand,” he said.,  , Mark Simmons,  Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific for Outrigger said that the award was of major importance.,  , “The Australian outbound market to Outrigger globally is significant and we are fortunate to have a very strong team to generate this business,” he said.,  , Outrigger Resorts has opened five properties in the last three years: in Mauritius,  Maldives,  Phuket,  Koh Samui and Fiji. The company continues to carefully assess further expansion opportunities in warm water beachfront resort destinations around the world.

Outrigger Resorts toasts its 68-year history

Outrigger Resorts toasts its 68-year history with worldwide Founders Day celebration
Outrigger Resorts will celebrate the company’s history on Sept. 29, 2015; special rates are available online for a month from Sept 29 to celebrate the occasion

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, OAHU – Sept. 29, 2015, marks the 68th anniversary of when Outrigger Hotels and Resorts founders, Roy and Estelle Kelley, opened their first hotel in Waikiki in 1947. At the time, the five-story, 50-room Islander Hotel on Seaside Avenue was the first new hotel to be built in Waikiki since the construction of the Royal Hawaiian hotel 20 years earlier.

From the beginning, Roy and Estelle’s vision was to “share the spirit of aloha” with every guest. Today, that vision has blossomed into a global portfolio of 40 properties in the most iconic tropical destinations throughout Hawaii, Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

On Sept. 29, Outrigger Resorts guests will be invited to raise a glass to Roy and Estelle’s legacy of Aloha at Manager’s Receptions being held at each resort, pick up a limited edition vintage T-shirt, enjoy special discounted room rates, participate in a fun social media contest, and more.

“When my grandparents founded the company back in 1947, they instilled several core values like providing guests with distinctive hospitality and value, and treating every employee like ohana, or family. I know they would be proud to know that these values are still at the heart of everything we do,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate communications at Outrigger Enterprises Group. “In honor of Roy and Estelle, we invite all guests of Outrigger Resorts to take part in the host of activities we have in store.”

Special room rates
What would a Founders Day celebration be without some special savings? Founders Day rates will be available online starting Sept. 29 for stays booked between Sept. 29 and Oct. 27, 2015. Visitors are invited to visit outrigger.com beginning Sept. 29 to take advantage of the special savings.

The company will also show its appreciation to travel agents and invites them to experience Outrigger Resorts’ signature hospitality with highly discounted room rates for reservations booked between now and Oct. 31, 2015, for stays through Nov. 30, 2015. Participating properties include Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, OHANA Hotels and Resorts, and Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger on Maui. Outrigger is also offering double rewards points for travel agents who sign up to become Outrigger Expert Agents now through Oct. 12, 2015.

For more information or to make a reservation, travel agents can call 1-855-707-2582 or visit outriggeragent.com.

Vintage T-shirt launch
To observe Outrigger Resorts’ Founders Day, two limited edition vintage T-shirts have been created to commemorate the company’s two iconic Waikiki beachfront properties – the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Everyone can purchase a piece of Outrigger history by visiting www.MalibuShirts.com or in Hawaii, stopping by the Malibu Shirts stores at Waikiki Beach Walk® and the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

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.