Hotel Online Special Report
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Outrigger Hotels & Resorts announces third resort 
project in French Polynesia
The Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort is expected to open in early 2000
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HONOLULU, HI. - July 6, 1998 - Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to provide technical assistance and management for a third resort under development in French Polynesia. Located on the island of Moorea, the 110-room Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort will be built on the site of the former Moorea Lagoon Hotel. Following a renovation and expansion of the property, the new Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort is scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2000. 

The lagoon-front resort is being developed by Louis Wane of Societe des Hotels Tahitiens, owner and developer of Outrigger's other two projects in French Polynesia - the Outrigger Hotel Tahiti, currently under construction and slated to open in early 1999; and the Outrigger Bora Bora Resort, a project still in the development stage. 

"We have been actively searching for an appropriate property on Moorea for some time," Wane said. "The redevelopment of the Moorea Lagoon Hotel, which has been part of the island community since the early 1970s, is the perfect opportunity for us." 

The architectural firm of Eurl D'Architecture 'iihi' of Papeete, Tahiti, has been retained. Lead architect is Philippe Grandou. 

Plans call for construction to begin in September or October of this year. A number of the existing 42 garden bungalows will be renovated and additional garden bungalows will be built. In addition, 55 overwater bungalows will be added. 

According to Perry Sorenson, Outrigger's chief operating officer, the Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort is located between two of the island's most scenic bays-Opunohu Bay and Cooks Bay. "The beauty of the hotel's location is unsurpassed and the water is crystal clear," Sorenson said. "Overwater bungalows will have stairs leading directly into the lagoon, and a stretch of beach fronting the property will enable all hotel guests to enjoy the calm waters and brilliant sealife below." 

Hotel amenities will include an overwater restaurant, cocktail lounge, sundry shop, swimming pool, beach services, activities desk, boat dock, tennis court and the only golf driving range on the island. 

Wayne Sterling, who was recently named general manager of the Outrigger Hotel Tahiti, also will have responsibility for the Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort. Sterling, who is originally from Hawaii, has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including several years as food and beverage manager at the former Hotel Taharaa in Tahiti. Sterling was hired by Outrigger a year ago in anticipation of the company's expansion into the South Pacific and has been general manager of The Royal Waikoloan on the Big Island of Hawaii in the interim. 

Moorea is located just 11 miles (17 km) from Tahiti. By air, it is only a 7 minute flight from Tahiti's international airport in Faaa aboard an Air Moorea flight. Ferry service is also available from the harbor at Papeete, with voyages ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the vessel. 

Sorenson says the close proximity of Moorea to Tahiti provides a great marketing opportunity for the company. "Not only will we be able to develop packages that include stays at both properties, guests at the Outrigger Hotel Tahiti and Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort will be able to cross utilize each hotel's facilities with signing privileges at both properties. We would also look at expanding future programs to include the Bora Bora property and any other projects that Outrigger might become involved with in French Polynesia," Sorenson said. 

Bill Henderson, Vice President Business Development for Outrigger, indicated the Outrigger Moorea Lagoon Resort will mark another important milestone in Outrigger's continuing expansion in the Pacific region. "A major presence in Tahiti and French Polynesia has always been high on our list of strategic priorities for expanding Outrigger's presence in the Pacific. We are particularly pleased to have the opportunity to work with owner/developer Louis Wane, one of Tahiti's most successful businessmen. The combination of Outrigger flags on Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea provide a very effective level of critical mass for marketing and management, and an excellent platform for further expansion in French Polynesia and other destinations in the South Pacific." 

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is Hawaii's largest hotel company and the 28th largest in the U.S., offering over 9,000 hotel rooms and condominium units in Hawaii. It has become a major player in the Pacific resort scene, with properties open in the Marshall Islands and Australia and projects currently underway in Guam, Palau, Fiji and French Polynesia. Last year marked the company's 50th anniversary of doing business in Hawaii. Outrigger's affiliate, Outrigger Lodging Services manages nearly two dozen hotels and resorts throughout the U.S. mainland. 

For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 1-800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Outrigger's toll-free number also is available from 130 countries via AT&T's new Direct 800© Service. Elsewhere call 303-369-7777. Internet users can access information on Outrigger via the World Wide Web at www.outrigger.com. Outrigger's e-mail address is [email protected]

 

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Contact:
Sandi Yara or Nancy Daniels
808-921-6941
 
Also See: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts to Manage Second Hotel in French Polynesia
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Announces Newest Pacific Property in Fiji 

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