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Oahu Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Maui Hotel Wailea Maui Hawaii Island Volcano House
Oahu Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki Aqua Bamboo Waikiki Aqua Ilikai Hotel & Suites Aqua Pacific Monarch Aqua Palms Waikiki Aqua Queen Kapiolani Aqua Skyline at Island Colony Aqua Waikiki Joy Aqua Waikiki Pearl Aqua Waikiki Wave Luana Waikiki Park Shore Waikiki Kauai Aqua Kauai Beach Resort Molokai Aqua Hotel Molokai Lanai Aqua Hotel Lanai Guam Aqua Suites Guam
Oahu Ewa Hotel Waikiki Hokele Suites Waikiki Maile Sky Court Pagoda Hotel Polynesian Plaza White Sands Hotel Maui Maui Beach Hotel Kauai Kauai Sands Hotel Guam Days Inn Tamuning
www.AquaHospitality.com
NEWS & UPDATES
EOY 2013
HAWAII GUAM
END OF YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
In 2013, we saw another successful and fun-filled year for the Aqua ohana. As always, it was the dedication and hard work of our team members and hotel owners that set the tone not only for us but for the industry. Aqua team members hauled in numerous accolades at the Na Poe Paahana awards for the hospitality industry, with 28 being recognized, Aqua Kauai Beach Resort’s “Uncle” Jimmy Higa as a finalist for engineer/maintenance person of the year and Aqua Waikiki Wave’s Flora Bumanglag as a finalist for manager of the year. Additionally, our team raised over $29,000 in 24 hours for typhoon relief in the Philippines (and was recognized by the American Red Cross for doing so). Our support of the food bank raised over $14,000 and 8,000 lbs of food, enough to provide over 6,300 meals to families in need. Owner support in all these endeavors was critical in setting Aqua apart. Last year was also good for our hotels, which received more than $20 million of renovations and refurbishments ranging from lobbies to rooms to meeting spaces. Aqua Kauai Beach Resort even installed a huge array of solar panels over its parking lot to reduce the carbon footprint and utility costs. This is on top of the nearly $60 million our owners are expecting to invest in 2014. The year also saw new hotels enter the Aqua family, most in a rush at the end of the year, including Luana Waikiki, Aqua Pacific Monarch, Hilo Naniloa Hotel and two hotels in Guam. Earlier in the year we unveiled the newly renovated and refurbished Volcano House. All of these hotels represent new accomplishments in our efforts to diversify Aqua: The two hotels in Guam are our first foray outside of Hawaii; Hilo Naniloa (formerly Naniloa Volcanoes Hotel) is an institution in the town of Hilo and brings tremendous excitement for a restoration of the hotel’s historical luster; Luana Waikiki and Aqua Pacific Monarch add much needed family-style larger rooms; and Volcano House is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2012 and 2013 we invested over $1 million in our website and call center technologies, and Aqua will continue to push new boundaries in the direct distribution space. This year we will add investments in analytic and business intelligence software for our websites and our property management / customer data. We also continue to expand our sales and marketing teams with several new positions coming on board. I am looking forward to working with you this year and talking strategy (or story) at any time. Best regards, Ben
2013 ENDS WITH A BANG …
On December 12, 2013, Vacation Holdings Hawaii, a subsidiary of Interval Leisure Group, acquired Aqua Hospitality. A leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry, Interval Leisure Group’s Membership and Exchange segment operates the Interval network of approximately 2,800 resorts in more than 75 countries. It also has a growing Management and Rental segment that includes Aston, among several other companies.
Ben Rafter
Blessing at Aqua Suites Guam on December 4 included attendance by Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio. Top left photo, L-R: Jeff Caminos, Bruce McKenzie (owner), Lt. Gov. Tenorio, Keith Markowki (owner), Geoff Graf, Sunardi Li (GM) and Matt Martin (DOS)
NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THE PORTFOLIO … Effective December 3, 2013, Aqua Hospitality began a management contract with Aqua Suites Guam and Days Inn Tamuning. Aqua Suites Guam is an all-suite hotel centrally located near Guam International Airport and popular Tumon Bay. Guests enjoy FREE shuttle service to nearby beaches and Guam’s best shopping destinations, as well as the following FREE amenities: WiFi Internet access throughout the hotel Self parking Swimming pool and sundeck Mini-refrigerator, microwave and hot pot Flat screen TVs Safe For added vacation convenience, the hotel features a concierge, restaurant, business center, spa and sundry store. The additions represent a milestone as Aqua’s first hotels outside of Hawaii.
POINTS OF INTEREST Tumon Beach – 1.3 km Ypao Beach – 1.6 km Guam Premier Outlets – 1.7 km Underwater World – 4 km Two Lovers Point – 8 km (right) Talofofo Falls – 33 km
Contact: [email protected] Contact: Sandi Yara [email protected] EOY 2013 - Page 2 Contact: [email protected]
Contact: [email protected] Contact: Sandi Yara [email protected]
EOY 2013 - Page 3 Contact: [email protected]
Newest additions - continued On December 17, 2013 Aqua Hospitality assumed management of Naniloa Volcanoes Resort! The name of the property has been changed to Hilo Naniloa Hotel and it joins the Lite Hotels collection. Effective January 1, 2014, Aqua Hospitality added Luana Waikiki, an Aqua boutique hotel. Luana Waikiki is an AAA three-diamond property with easy access to area beaches, dining, attractions and nightlife. Named for the Hawaiian term “to relax, be content and enjoy pleasant surroundings,” the hotel boasts a contemporary Hawaiian-style design, inviting atmosphere and spacious accommodations - ideal for business and leisure travelers.
Front Desk, Pool, Studio Kitchenette Hotel amenities include a sundeck with swimming pool and barbecue pit, a large fitness center and laundry facilities. The hotel also features a café, spa and nail salon onsite. The 225 guest rooms include a lanai or patio, travertine marble floors, tropical décor with pineapple-motif furnishings, WiFi Internet access in-room and throughout the hotel, flat screen televisions and safes for extra security. Many rooms also include kitchenettes and living areas. Luana Waikiki, an Aqua boutique hotel is located at 2045 Kalakaua Avenue.
Hokele Suites Waikiki joined Aqua on January 6. A tropical hideaway in the heart of Waikiki, the hotel is located just 2 short blocks to world-famous Waikiki Beach. This hotel features spacious studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Amenities include: high speed Internet access, daily local newspaper, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, cable TV and safe. Additional hotel amenities include a restaurant and gift shop. It is a 2-star property that will be part of the Lite Hotels brand. Holele Suites is located at 412 Lewers Street.
2 bedroom suite & living room for the 2-bedroom suite and studio
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For Earth Day 2013, one dollar from each room reservation booked on Earth Day was earmarked for Hui o Koolaupoko programs for monitoring ocean conditions and watershed health. L-R Ben Rafter, Todd Cullison/Hui O Koolaupoko and Elizabeth Churchill.
LOOKING BACK AT AQUA IN THE COMMUNITY … Hālauaola: A Hula & Music Benefit Concert on October 13 raised funds for the International Gathering of Hula on Kaua`i Next Summer. Presented at Kauai Sands Hotel beach lawn by the Mālie Foundation in support of Ka `Aha Hula `O Hālauaola - 4th World Conference on Hula in July 2014.
In a little over 48 hours the incredible Aqua team raised $29,496 for the American Red Cross to support the people of the Philippines who were impacted by Super Typhoon Haiyan. Many Aqua ohana have family and friends in the impacted areas so there was an overwhelming response in such a short time frame. Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of Hawaii’s Red Cross heard what we were doing and as a result volunteered to expedite getting the funds over to the Philippines and on the ground where they matter. L-R Aqua’s Heidi Kalepa, Ben Rafter with Coralie Matayoshi.
This year, Aqua Hospitality collected 8,027 lbs. of food and raised $14,789 for the Hawaii Food Bank in support of ohana that are less fortunate.
The 35th annual Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA) Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised a record $1,671,436 following culmination of the statewide event in May. Aqua had 782 walkers participate in the walk and sponsored the checkpoint at Aqua Skyline at Island Colony.
EOY 2013 - Page 5 Contact: [email protected]
Congratulations to Elizabeth Churchill … Recently, Elizabeth Churchill, Senior VP Sales & Marketing, Aqua Hospitality was recognized by two of Hawaii’s leading business publications. 20 for the Next 20: People to Watch 2013 Each year, Hawaii Business magazine selects 20 emerging leaders who have already made big contributions to Hawaii and are expected to have an even greater impact over the next two decades. 2013 Women-to-Watch Elizabeth was named one of 2013 Women-to-Watch by Pacific Business News. It was a new category and part of PBN’s 15th Annual ‘Women Who Mean Business’ awards. The ten winners were selected for having made significant contributions to the overall success of their company. Each demonstrated going above and beyond what is expected of them in any situation, leadership potential and an outstanding work ethic.
HIGHLIGHTING A FEW AWARDS AND ACCOLADES ...
Aqua Hospitality recognized for outstanding marketing programs Aqua Hospitality was recently recognized for its outstanding marketing programs by the 2013 Magellan Awards sponsored by Travel Weekly. With entries from the US and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Aqua received three top awards including a 2013 Gold Magellan Award for its travel agent website, a 2013 Silver Magellan Award for the “12 Stays of Christmas” social media program and a 2013 Silver Magellan Award for its company-wide rebranding campaign. Travel Agent Website- Gold Magellan Award Winner This summer, Aqua launched a new travel agent website (www.aquatravelagent.com) that utilizes leading-edge capabilities to help travel agents navigate through Aqua’s diverse collection of properties. 12 Stays of Christmas- Silver Magellan Award Winner To celebrate the 2012 holiday season, Aqua Hospitality tapped its energetic social media team to connect with travelers through a fun “12 Stays of Christmas” Pinterest contest. The contest ran for 12 days in December and participants were asked to create a Hawaii-themed Pinterest board. The winner received a fantasy Hawaii vacation for two. Aqua Hospitality Rebranding- Silver Magellan Award Winner Aqua Hospitality greeted 2013 with a major restructuring of its 24-property group. Formerly known as Aqua Hotels and Resorts, the company became Aqua Hospitality. In order to better help guests identify the Aqua hotels that best suit their personality, budget and vacation needs, Aqua launched three distinctive hotel brands, with properties falling into one of the following: Monogram Hotel Collection, Aqua Hotels & Resorts and Lite Hotels.
2013 Hawaii Green Business Award has been awarded to Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki The 202-room Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki is a first-time recipient of the 2013 Hawaii Green Business Award. The hotel achieved a 24 percent reduction in electricity use with the implementation of energy- and water-efficiency measures and electronic room key card system. The State Department of Health; the State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism; and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii sponsored the award. Front Row L-R Craig Matsuura, Area Director of Facilities, Gov. Abercrombie, Elizabeth Churchill, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing Back Row L-R Mark Glick – Energy Program Administrator, DBEDT, Renette Carpio – Sr. Owner Relations Manager, Gary Gill – Deputy Director, Dept of Health, KeAlii Alexander – Director of Condominium Operations
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CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN—AQUA STYLE ...
Creative employees at Aqua Kauai Beach Resort decorated pumpkins for Halloween. First place was awarded to the Banquet Department with the Kitchen/Culinary team winning People’s Favorite.
Home office costume contest participants ...
L-R Angela Byun, Kolia Moua, Malia Medeiros, Elan Tsosie, Marc Nelson, Andy Vocos, Julene Lau, Nanette Hee, Peter Sheehan, Phil Egan, Mary Tong, Shelley Okubo, Justin Nakaahiki, Valerie Reyes, Lisa Bankston, Chris Ching, Patrick Ahler, Paulette Medeiros, Ben Rafter, Cheryl Kajitani, Paul Yuen, Jarvis Johnson and Beth Churchill
1st Place: Pagoda Housekeeping (Pagoda replica with live fish) (left) 2nd Place: Park Shore Front Desk (Day of the dead carriage) (second row, left) 3rd Place: Ilikai Maintenance (Black dog) (second row, middle) Honorable Mention: Palms Front Desk (Pumpkin palm tree) (second row, right)
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Lifting the holiday tree at our newest property: Hilo Naniloa Hotel
Sales, Marketing and Revenue departments
L-R Chris Ching, Myna Eheler, Nicole Darity, Phil Egan, Angela Byun, Valerie Reyes, Justin Nakaahiki, LeeAnn Isobe, Karen Yonemoto (nearly hidden), Steve Velez, June Nozoe, Lisa Bankston, Jacque Emery, Evelyn Shiroma, Luana Kekaula-Castillo, Robin Harlow, Keith York, Elizabeth Churchill, Marc Nelson, John Dailey, Will Song and Eric Yoshimoto
HOLIDAY GATHERINGS ...
Volcano House ohana celebrate their first Christmas with Aqua
Above—GMs Competition Left to Right – Lynette Eastman, Michael Drew (hidden), Matt Pickett, Rudy Fao, Hilmy Dole Far left: Pagoda Thriller – Pagoda employees performed to Michael Jackson’s Thriller Left—GMs Competition Left to Right – Lynette Eastman, Hilmy Dole, Rudy Fao, Michael Drew, Matt Pickett
Annual Holiday Party
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SELECTION OF NEWS CLIPPINGS … Lots of news in 2013 for Aqua especially about the company’s re-branding and re-opening of historic Volcano House.
Contact: [email protected] Contact: Sandi Yara [email protected]
Elizabeth Churchill
Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing [email protected]
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Robin Harlow
Senior Director of Sales [email protected]
John Dailey
Director of Sales - Domestic & International [email protected]
Daniel Bayne
Director of Sales - Corporate & Retail [email protected]
June Nozoe
Director of Sales & Marketing - Asia [email protected]
Nicole Darity
Director of Sales - Military & Government [email protected]
Myna Eheler
Sales Manager - Groups [email protected]
Steve Velez
Sales Manager [email protected]
Peter Sheehan
Contract Sales Manager [email protected]
Jacque Emery
Assistant Contract Sales Manager [email protected]
Evelyn Shiroma
Director of Property Sales & Revenue Aqua Waikiki Wave & Aqua Waikiki Pearl
Luana Kekaula-Castillo Sales Manager - Maile Sky Court
Karen Yonemoto Sales Manager
Pagoda Hotel, White Sands Hotel, Ewa Hotel Waikiki [email protected]
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Keith York
Senior Director of Revenue Management [email protected]
Angela Byun
Director of Reservations [email protected]
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LeeAnn Isobe
Corporate Director of Marketing [email protected]
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Lisa Bankston
Corporate Director of Online Marketing [email protected]
EOY 2013 - Page 9 Contact: [email protected]
New team members at Aqua Pacific Monarch!
WELCOME NEW OHANA ...
Aqua Kauai Beach Resort appointed Mark Burson as Resort Manager. Mark has overall responsibility for the direction and growth of the entire Food & Beverage operation. In addition, he also assists the operational departments including Housekeeping, Front Office, Security and Maintenance. Mark comes from the Embassy Suites in Montgomery, Alabama where he served as Asst. General Manager. Prior to that, he held various senior management positions in Hawaii including Embassy Suites Waikiki Beachwalk and Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Mark is no stranger in the kitchen either and was Executive Chef at Hanalei Bay Resort and held chef positions at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa.
WHATS IN STORE … BEN RAFTER NAMED TO PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS “10 to WATCH” IN 2014 Aqua Hospitality President and CEO Ben Rafter had a busy 2013. The company grew its management portfolio to 27 properties in Hawaii, and made its first international expansion with management contracts for two properties on Guam. Locally, Aqua Hospitality now manages the former Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, which developer Ed Bushor and partners Ed Olson and marine artist Wyland are planning to redevelop and reinvent into a boutique, artistic and eco-friendly Hilo Hotel. If all that hasn’t been enough to keep Rafter busy, Aqua was acquired by Vacation Holdings Hawaii in December. Vacation Holdings Hawaii also owns Aston Hotels and Resorts, giving the parent company a total of 50 Hawaii-managed hotel, resort and condominium properties. Kelvin Bloom, Vacation Holdings Hawaii President told PBN that Aqua, Aston and the properties they manage will benefit from integrating best practices from both companies. But Rafter is used to setting his own agenda. One that includes a focus on Aqua’s expansion aspirations on West Coast Mainland and Guam, and investing and managing restaurants to enhance the guest experience at some of the company’s current hotels. For all of these reasons, Rafter will be someone worth watching in 2014. Adapted from Pacific Business News, January 3, 2014