Global update
outrigger branches out
“ ohana has been very successful in hawaii , but we didn ’ t feel like it traveled as well internationally . we think there will be a little more edge to it ( the new brand ), a little more contemporary feel .”
– DaviD Carey
When David Carey first arrived at Outrigger Enterprises Group in 1986 , he didn ’ t even have an office . He recalls that the Honolulu-based company was truly a mom-andpop business back then , but today Carey — now Outrigger ’ s president and CEO — leads a global organization . Outrigger currently operates and / or has under development 45 hotels in eight countries under the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and Ohana Hotels and Resorts brands in addition to outside brands including Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn .
The company ’ s primary focus at present is acquiring properties for its Outrigger Hotels and Resorts brand in premium resort locations chiefly in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions . However , Carey notes strict management opportunities are not off the table . “ We have a management contract signed for a property we hope will start construction this year in Hainan Island , China ," he says . " It ’ s probably not even possible for us to own a property there .”
A new brand also is on the horizon for Outrigger — as a replacement for the 3-star-U . S ./ 4- star-Asia Ohana . “ Ohana has been
This past January Outrigger opened the 181-room Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa , a property that remains true to the company ’ s focus on acquiring beachfront properties particularly in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions .
very successful in Hawaii , but we didn ’ t feel like it traveled as well internationally ,” Carey says . “ We think there will be a little more edge to it ( the new brand ), a little more contemporary feel . We ’ re hoping to make announcements sometime this year .”
Even as Outrigger grows , it remains family-owned . “ When families are involved , emotions sometimes enter the picture ,” Carey concedes . “ But that ’ s preferable to some of the external forces applied on a lot of public firms . The family understands if you buy the right kind of property in the right location you can work through a cycle .”
When it comes to the current cycle and Outrigger ’ s position , Carey is solidly optimistic . “ The notion of being deep into the leisure travel and resort travel business gives me comfort , because there ’ s a desire in the world to travel like that ,” he says . “ We feel good about that space .”
Hilfiger joins
Tommy Hilfiger ’ s acquisition of The Raleigh in Miami Beach and creation of tHe club
The Raleigh Group will launch a Raleigh-branded private club concept with Hilfiger ’ s point of view — classic with a twist .
The Miami Beach property will likely close after the next winter season for a “ transformational renovation ,” according to group CEO David Pisor , and will include the construction of two pavilions , adding 50 % more space to the property .
With its private-equity partner Mongeau Capital , London , the group has started looking for more assets to develop The Raleigh brand with discussions in Los Angeles , New York and Aspen , Colorado .
“ My motivation is to build a real brand — not just doing this as a one-off or a hobby ,” Hilfiger says .
Richard Phibbs
16 HOTELS June 2014 www . hotelsmag . com