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A Passion for Discovery                                                                             2                                                                     saving measures. In addition, they collaborate
                                                                                                                                                                                                        with local environmental organisations to help
                                                                                                                                                                                                        preserve the natural beauty of their destinations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          As we move  onto the  subject of  guest
                               Born 77 years ago in Waikiki with a deep connection to the spirit of hospitality                                                                                         loyalty and differentiation, Wagoner says that
                               and a profound sense of place, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has evolved into                                                                                               he feels guests remain loyal to OUTRIGGER
                               a global leader in premier beach resorts, offering guests immersive and authentic                                                                                        due to their authentic approach to hospitality.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        He says that they are not just about providing a
                               experiences. Here, we converse with company President & CEO Jeff Wagoner                                                                                                 beautiful beachfront resort – they offer a cultural
                               about the growth of the business and what lies ahead.                                                                                                                    immersion that resonates with travellers seeking
                                                                                                                                                                                                        more than just a vacation. Their commitment to
             ith an ethos that is deeply rooted in what   the local culture, environment and community.  that grace the nearby waters. The redesign                                                     local communities, sustainability and personalised
       Wthey call “The OUTRIGGER Way”,      Two of the company’s most significant   blends traditional voyaging motifs with modern                                                                      services sets them apart. Guests know they can
       which focuses on caring for their hosts, guests   recent  openings  are the OUTRIGGER  Reef   design elements, enhancing both the property’s                                                     trust them for a meaningful experience that is
       and the unique destinations they are privileged to   Waikiki Beach Resort and the OUTRIGGER   aesthetic and its connection to place.                                                             deeply connected to the spirit of each destination.
       call home, the company’s philosophy of respect   Kona Resort & Spa. The OUTRIGGER Reef   Additionally, they are thrilled to be                                                                     “We  stand  out  because  of  our  steadfast
       and stewardship defines everything they do and   underwent an $85M renovation, transforming   partnering with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment                                                     commitment to “The OUTRIGGER Way”
       is the foundation of their growth.  every element of the guest experience, from   Group to debut the first resident Cirque du                                                                    –  caring  for the  people,  the  places  and  the
        Currently  operating  30  properties  situated   redesigned rooms and public spaces to new   Soleil show in Hawaii, launching in December   growth, aligning with their desire to expand in     cultures that define each of our destinations.
       in premier beach-resort destinations around   dining options, while maintaining deep ties to   2024 at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber   coastal areas with a strong sense of place.  OUR MISSION IS TO BE ‘THE   This guiding principle has allowed us to form
       the world, their sites include iconic locations   the local Hawaiian culture.  Hotel. This one-of-a-kind production is set to   When deciding on new locations, proximity is   PREMIER BEACH RESORT COMPANY   strong relationships with local communities and
       across Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius and   Meanwhile, OUTRIGGER Kona’s $60M   bring artistry, acrobatics and Hawaiian heritage   a key consideration, as they aim to deliver their   IN THE WORLD’... OUR GOAL IS TO   has enabled us to offer a guest experience that
       the Maldives. Their diverse portfolio includes   revitalisation was inspired by the rich heritage   together in a groundbreaking performance.  signature beach experience. Beyond location,   STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE WHILE   is truly unique. Our ability to innovate while
       branded resorts as well as condominiums, each   of Keauhou Bay, with it being the birthplace   “Our mission is to be ‘The Premier Beach   they are passionate about sustainability and   ALWAYS BEING MINDFUL OF   remaining true to our values has helped us to
       one offering a unique experience that honours   of King Kamehameha III and the manta rays   Resort Company in the World’ and we are   cultural integrity. They look for properties   MAINTAINING THE AUTHENTICITY   adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry,
                                                                              continuously expanding  and  enhancing our         that share their commitment to environmental   AND ENVIRONMENTAL       keeping  us at  the forefront  of beach resort
        1                                                                     offerings. In the coming years, we are focused     stewardship and offer opportunities to engage   RESPONSIBILITY THAT DEFINE US.”  hospitality,” explains Wagoner.
                                                                              on growing our presence in Asia-Pacific and        authentically with the local community. This   Jeff Wagoner              As he looks to the future, the President
                                                                              exploring a return to the Australian market,”      allows them to integrate “The OUTRIGGER   President & CEO of OUTRIGGER  & CEO feels it is a bright road ahead, with
                                                                              explains Jeff Wagoner, President & CEO of          Way” into each new destination they embrace.  Resorts & Hotels         thoughtful expansion and continued investment
                                                                              OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. “We also have           Speaking about the importance of social                               in their current properties on the horizon.
                                                                              exciting developments in our home base of          media and e-commerce, Wagoner highlights   created a digital presence that is engaging,   “However, balancing this growth with our
                                                                              Hawaii, such as the transformation and rebranding   that they have become essential tools for   meaningful and aligned with our brand values,”   commitment to sustainability and cultural
                                                                              of OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Paradise Hotel. Our           how they engage with guests before, during   Wagoner comments.         preservation remains our greatest challenge. As
                                                                              goal is to stay ahead of the curve while always    and after their stays. He continues by saying   A massively important topic in the world   travel habits evolve and guest expectation shift,
                                                                              being mindful of maintaining the authenticity and   that they have made significant investments in   of hospitality is sustainability and this is a core   we need to ensure that we continue to innovate
                                                                              environmental responsibility that define us.”      their digital  infrastructure, ensuring that their   value of OUTRIGGER’s DNA. The company is   while remaining mindful of our responsibility to
                                                                                The company is actively exploring new            booking platforms are seamless and intuitive.  committed to protecting the environments in   the environment and  the local communities
                                                                              markets that resonate with their brand              “Our social media strategy focuses on   which they operate through the OUTRIGGER   that define us,” comments Wagoner.
                                                                              philosophy of beach-inspired hospitality           authentic storytelling, showcasing the beauty   Zone (OZONE) initiative, which focuses on   “That being said, we are proud of our role
                                                                              and cultural immersion.  They see promising        of our destinations with the unique cultural   coral reef conservation. As part of a larger ESG   as a leader in premier beach resorts worldwide
                                                                              opportunities in Southern California and           attributes and programming. Through behind-  strategy, all of their properties have adopted   and are excited to continue shaping the future
                                                                              South Florida, whilst further afield Asia-Pacific   the-scenes content, real-time guest interactions   sustainable practices, from reducing single-use   of hospitality through meaningful, authentic
                                                                              continues to offer exciting opportunities for      and partnerships with influencers, we have   plastics to implementing energy and water-  experiences.”


                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Main picture: Castaway Island, Fiji
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. . OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort


























       22 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025                                                                                                                DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 23
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