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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


























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