Page 23 - #195 Dec2024/Jan2025
P. 23
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

