On March 22, we held a media event in Tokyo to announce the completion and opening of the new Waikiki Beach Walk(TM). The event was actually a follow-up to one held in June of 2005 when we introduced the project as the newest and most exciting thing to happen in Waikiki in the last 30 years. The event was held at the trendy Royal Park Shiodome Tower, and it was a full house, with 80 VIPs from industry and consumer media, airlines, and leading wholesale travel partners in attendance.
On behalf of Outrigger Enterprises Group and the Kelley family, Rob Solomon opened the program with Outrigger's expansion story and laid out the vision of the project, which has become the reality of a "new and exciting destination" within Waikiki for both visitors and residents. Rob explained that WBW was the catalyst for the emerging "New Waikiki."
Barbara Campbell, Outrigger's Vice President/Retail Development & Leasing, gave an exciting overview of the tenant and restaurant lineup at WBW, including a "live demonstration" on how to enjoy a beer out of a "Half Yard" glass at the Yard House, one of the WBW tenants. This had to be a first in Japan.
John Lee, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Communications/Embassy Suites Hotels, and our own Bob Yeoman, General Manager Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk(TM) (ESH), presented the Embassy Suites hospitality concept and highlighted the additional features that make the Waikiki Beach Walk ESH incarnation so special. The new ESH enjoys substantial media attention and is already a "hit" in the Japanese market.
Michael Turolla, Senior Vice President-Pacific Business Unit, Wyndam Vacation Resorts, presented the newly- completed Wyndham Waikiki property and discussed the quality, flexibility, and long-term value associated with the Wyndam Vacation Resort product.
Elliot Mills, General Manager of Outrigger Reef on the Beach (ORF), unveiled the plans for the transformation of the ORF, pegged as Outrigger's new flagship hotel and the final Outrigger piece of Waikiki Beach Walk. Island hospitality, a voyaging theme, individualized service, and deluxe appointments will characterize the new ORF. Anticipation is high for the soon-to-be-completed Ocean Tower and newly-designed entry and lobby that will be reminiscent of an authentic Hawaiian canoe hale (house).
The buzz in the industry over the new Waikiki Beach Walk(TM) area and anticipation of more good things to come in the "New Waikiki" goes on. We are proud to say that Outrigger is viewed as a leader in the renaissance of Waikiki. Today, Japan is a very important part of our expanding business in Hawaii, Guam, and the South Pacific. Outrigger's relationships with quality partners, sharing business expertise and a culture of hospitality, assures guests from Japan the best possible experience at our new Waikiki Beach Walk(TM).
Mahalo to all the presenters; to Shoko Komine and Hitomi Saunders for coordinating this exciting event; and to Dave Erdman and his Pac Rim team for handling the arrangements and preparations with the media. Your efforts have made this another successful mission in Japan for the Outrigger Enterprises Group.