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Press Release: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
May 16, 2003
HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII -- Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Hawaii's largest lodging company, has announced plans
to re-introduce its portfolio of resort condominium properties as "Outrigger's Condominium Collection."
The introduction of Outrigger's Condominium Collection is designed to build a separate identity for the company's
10 upscale condominium resorts in Hawaii, and distinguish them from the other 40 hotels and resorts operated under
the Outrigger and OHANA brands throughout Hawaii, the Pacific and Australia.
To support the new line, Outrigger will launch a comprehensive marketing effort targeted at travel agents and independent
savvy travelers who prefer the independence, value and convenience of condominium accommodations. In late May,
an impressive eight-page, four-color ad in various travel trade publications will feature Outrigger's Condominium
Collection. The ad doubles as a pull-out brochure featuring an easy-to-read map of Hawaii, each property's location,
a photo and a complete list of amenities, services and features. A variety of cross promotions with radio stations,
television, Internet and wholesale partners will also support the launch throughout the summer.
"We want to change the way travelers and travel agents think about Outrigger's condominium resorts and the
best way to do that is to create a unique identity specifically for the collection," said T.J. Oesterling,
vice president of Outrigger's Condominium Collection. "We know there is a specific market out there that prefers
our condominium product. We have a superior inventory of properties in the most desirable locations throughout
Hawaii, and we need to let everyone know it."
The Outrigger Condominium Collection consists primarily of premium low-rise beachfront properties offering studios,
one-, two- and three-bedroom units. These fully furnished accommodations are among Hawaii's finest inventory of
resort condominiums located in prime destinations like Wailea and Kaanapali on Maui, Kona and the Kohala Coast
on the Big Island and Poipu and Kapaa on Kauai. Earlier this year, marketing collateral was revised to officially
include "Outrigger" in the name of each property.
According to Oesterling, distinguishing the collection will help travelers and travel agents discern the differences
between the condominium resorts and the traditional hotels and resorts that Outrigger operates on Oahu, Kauai,
Maui and Hawaii's Big Island.
Outrigger's Condominium Collection Difference
While there are many similarities to Outrigger's hotels, like beachfront locations, daily housekeeping, friendly
staff and complimentary in-room coffee, there are key differences like full-sized kitchens, in-room washer/dryer
and larger floor plans of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. All condo units have microwaves, coffee makers, televisions
with cable programming and VCRs, irons and ironing boards and personal safes, in addition to the full complement
of kitchen appliances and utensils.
According to Oesterling, properties in Outrigger's Condominium Collection must meet very strict standards before
the company will agree to manage a property. Only properties in the best locations and top physical condition are
accepted into the group. The same is true for specific units. Only units meeting specific standards are accepted
into the rental program. Each unit is inspected annually and those cited with improvement needs are given 60 days
to comply or are removed from the program. Strict maintenance standards are enforced and all bedding and soft goods
must be brand new upon entering the program.
Last year, Outrigger partnered with condominium owners to complete a $12 million dollars multi-year renovation
program that brought impressive upgrades throughout the chain of resorts located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii's
Big Island. This investment by the owners in concert with Outrigger's management was to establish Outrigger's position
as one of the state's premiere providers of upscale beachfront condominium resorts in Hawaii's most desired destinations.
Renovations varied depending on property, but included enhancements to public areas, landscaping, tennis courts,
accommodation appointments, new telephone systems and accommodation entertainment systems.
Growing Demand for Condominium Travel
"Our research indicates that there is a growing market of travelers who prefer condominium accommodations
for the value, convenience and spaciousness," Oesterling said. "Many of our guests are repeat visitors
who don't necessarily need all the shopping, dining and activity options offered on-property at our full service
resorts. However, all those amenities, including charging privileges, are available at full service Outrigger Resorts
in the area."
According to Oesterling, who began oversight of Outrigger's Condominium Collection one year ago, there has been
a steady increase in the demand for quality condo accommodations and the trend is expected to grow. "As today's
travelers grow increasingly sophisticated and educated, they realize the exceptional value and convenience that
condominium accommodations offer," he remarked. "This is especially true for families and long-term repeat
visitors. At Outrigger, we are committed to offering only quality products to our guests."
Value of Condominium Travel
For families traveling with children, condos are almost a financial necessity. Not only are condo units competitively
priced with equivalent hotel accommodations, but families also can make their own meals using the fully equipped,
full-service kitchen. For a family of four vacationing in Hawaii, this means a saving of at least $100 a day. For
weddings, second-marriage blended families and family reunions, which require spacious living arrangements, condos
provide affordable accommodations where everyone can stay, cook, eat and socialize together. Washers and dryers
in each unit also provide a convenience that allows guests to travel light.
Rates are very competitive and the value is considerable, especially when taking advantage of one-, two- and three-bedroom
floor plan options. Guests can shop for the lowest possible rates online at outrigger.com and even search for Outrigger's
very popular Best Value Rates that offer up to 35 percent off retail rates. And for a limited time, Outrigger guests
can also add a Mini-Van rental to their reservation at participating properties for $55 per day through a special
arrangement with Dollar Rent-a-Car.
Location, Location, Location
While travelers grow increasingly savvy, independent and demanding for quality, there is no substitute for the
location of the property. Outrigger's inventory of properties is located among the world's most beautiful beaches.
There are two Outrigger beachfront condo resorts on Kauai-the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation located on Poipu Beach,
ranked by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The Outrigger at Lae nani Resort, near
the charming town of Kapaa, is located on a beautiful, protected golden sand beach along Kauai's eastern shore.
Maui boasts four Outrigger condo properties, all in the best locales. The Outrigger Palms at Wailea is surrounded
by lush landscaping and three golf courses. It is also an easy stroll to the golden sands of Ulua Beach. The Outrigger
Maui Eldorado in Kaanapali is ideally located on the famed Kaanapali Golf Course just a short stroll to stunning
golden sand beaches and shopping in Whaler's Village. The Outrigger Royal Kahana Resort is located right on the
beach, a short stroll from Kahana Gateway Shopping Center, and offers the most expansive views of Lanai, Molokai
and Haleakala. Quaintly nestled next to the beach with the feel of old Hawaii is the Outrigger Napili Shores, ideally
situated to watch sunsets and whales in the winter months.
The Big Island has three existing condominium resorts. The Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff in Kona is just minutes from
the quaint shopping and restaurants of downtown Kona with championship golf nearby. The Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona,
set on 16 beautiful oceanfront acres, features oceanfront dining at Edward's Restaurant, championship golf and
is an easy stroll to Keauhou Shopping Village. The Outrigger Fairway Villas, located within the Waikoloa Beach
Resort on the spectacular Kohala Coast, sits at the edge of Waikoloa's Beach Golf Course and is just a stone's
throw away from the Waikoloa King's Course. Just a few steps aware are the King's Shops offering a diverse array
of dining and shopping opportunities, and the dramatic crescent shaped beach of Anaehoomalu Bay is nearby.
On Oahu, there's only one condo property, but it's a beauty- the Outrigger Waikiki Shore right on Waikiki Beach.
It has a one-of-a-kind location right on Waikiki Beach with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and magnificent
sunsets.
Outrigger's Condominium Collection is operated by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, a division of Hawaii-based Outrigger
Enterprises, Inc., the largest lodging company in Hawaii and one of the fastest growing in the Pacific. The company
currently operates or has under development 49 hotels and resorts throughout the Pacific region, representing more
than 12,000 hotel rooms and condominium units in Hawaii, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand
and Australia. Outrigger's affiliate, Outrigger Lodging Services, operates nearly two-dozen hotels and resorts
throughout the U.S. Mainland.
For reservations, see your travel agent, call Outrigger toll-free at (800) OUTRIGGER (688-7444), or e-mail reservations@outrigger.com.
For more information or to book online, visit www.outrigger.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Austin, Director of Public Relations Nancy Daniels, APR, Public Relations Manager Outrigger Hotels & Resorts / OHANA Hotels & Resorts 2375 Kuhio Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815-2992 (808) 921-6941; Fax (808) 921-6901 Email: public.relations@outrigger.com www.outrigger.com or www.ohanahotels.com