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JANUARY 28, 2017

Outrigger ‘Brands Phuket’By Mark Simmons

In Thailand, Outrigger is proud to be one of the founding members of the newly launched Phuket Hotels Association (PHA), which unveiled its branding at the Thailand Tourism Forum in Bangkok Jan 23. The forun was attended by 550 leaders from global, regional and local hospitality and distribution executives. Outrigger’s contribution through the APAC office is to act as the head of the marketing committee for the group, which already has over 60 hotel members representing more than 9,000 rooms on the island. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has endorsed the association, which is being advised by veteran Thai hotelier Wichit Na Ranong. “Thailand’s tourism industry has undergone a period of extraordinary growth, and it is time to take a step back, consolidate, position and plan for the future,” said Khun Wichit. The central and core intention of Phuket Hotels Association is to bring the industry together to develop the destination.

“Tourism has been good to Phuket, and we now need to ensure we are reinvesting through environmental and educational programs to ensure benefits and advantages are spread,” said Wichit. Aside from marketing, the PHA has educational and environmental committees. The hotel association will be launching its first fundraising activity at a gala event in Phuket May 13, 2017, when it aims to raise THB3.5 million (USD100,000) for a hospitality-focused educational scholarship program. Everyone involved in the association is delighted to be making a positive contribution. By standing together and speaking with the same voice we can present Brand Phuket to international markets in a consistent manner, focusing on the experiences, natural beauty and people of the destination as its three greatest assets. The PHA is hoping to double its membership in 2017 and continue its work for the benefit of destination Phuket as a whole.

Mr. David Keen, CEO of QUO (which designed the Brand Phuket identity for PHA); Mr. Wichit Na Ranong, former president of the Tourism Council of Thailand and owner of The Slate Phuket; Mr. Anthony Lark, president of Phuket Hotels Association; and Mr. Mark Simmons, vice president,

sales and marketing Asia Pacific, Outrigger Resorts (head marketing advisor to the PHA)

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Saturday Briefing is published by and for

hosts of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

Editor: KATHY FOLEY

Supervising Editor: PILA HANSON

Contributors: OEG HOSTS

Visit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com.

JAN 30: Agnes M. Bactad, Faye Yoshino Fernandez, Jagdishwar Kowlessur, Tueta Liwaiono, Marlyn U. Locquiao, Richard Mani, Ratu Kinijioji Nanovo, Thelma Ninter, Rudolph D. Seifert, Reiko Stiver and Robin L. Walsh.

JAN 31: Abdulla Amir, Oliver Andres De Leon, Anthony Dizon, Marie Rebecca Aurelie Isabelle, Anil Jayawardena, Janine W. Kahoonei, Chutikan Keawlaeid, Rackie B. Lagpacan, Stephen T. Nunokawa, Severino T. Palacay Jr. and Niven Soobiraj.

FEB 1: Annette M. Choy, Nasrulla Abdul Gayyoom, Valerie A.S. Lee, Patricia Marguerite, Katalina Mei, Zahid Mohamud, Violet H. Tanaka and Lai Hung Wong.

FEB 2: Sakoontadevi Boodadoo, Purie Garcia, Alivereti Kurisalili, Aekkachai Paikok, Arunee Saelim, Carieanne A. Tanioka, Andrew Velasco and Panthong Wongsupan.

FEB 3: Salvador C. Antonio, Aaron Blaz, Josefa Boseiwaqa, Guimei Cheng, Geeta Chinapen, Larina C. Galla, Mary Arlene F. Geroy, Ivan Haller, Wattana Khakhuen, Barbara Lam, Shao Yuan-Liang Mai, Anusha Mungroo, Darryl Osaias, Thanacha Thongpath and Roberto C. Viloria.

FEB 4: William J. Caraway, Rexene Doty, Benchito Elbo, Terumi K. Mahoe, Mereia Nacola, Eroni Junior Nakaibau, Yaswant Pal, Panyaphatthida Sirisinphiphat, Andrea E.B. Villanueva, Arlan C. Villanueva and Xody Yano.

FEB 5: John Cacayurin, Heidi D.C. Guillermo, Di Zhong Lin, Shu Lian Lin, Zenaida A. Manganaan, Allen Mendiola, Pakinee Sapasiri, Chandnee Sewsurrun, Esteban A. Udaundo Jr., Timoci Yabe and Jessica Zimlich.

Happy birthday

© 2017 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

MOMENTS OF AL HAEmbassy Suites by Hilton™-Waikiki Beach Walk®

“Please make sure Yuet Chun Liang does not go unrecognized for her hard work. We came from Double Tree with no AC and your property was bliss. Yuet Chun L made it her priority to make my 3 friends and I as comfortable as possible. She did such a fine job in keeping the room in order, getting us pillows (I have a bad back) and keeping everything stocked. She knew what we had been through and made the transition so easy. You might not think you would spend much time in a hotel room going to Waikiki, but we did. This place was just bliss compared to Double Tree. The nightly manager special with drinks and appetizers was so memorable. The breakfast was delectable. At Double Tree we had cold cuts, and had to make sandwiches, or pay $15 a person to eat the other buffet, even though I was a diamond member. Not at your hotel!! I have 2 memorable hotel stays in my life. One is the Hampton Inn U in Austin, TX. But your property took the Hilton brand a step further and made things right. Luckily the diamond desk was able to arrange 2 nights at Double Tree to be refunded, so we did not pay a difference in price for our entire stay. (that hotel had no AC for weeks!) It will be duly noted that Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk is where my family will stay, even if it costs a little bit more. So much closer to the beach. So peaceful. Please give recognition to Yuet Chun L. It is not easy work to keep a room like that with 4 men clean. She did it. I left with warm feelings, and a smile. And was happy to not be rushed out of the property. She had good family values and was such a hard worker. Thank you Yuet Chun L! And thank you for the cool CD and Tote! It made carrying my extra souvenirs home much easier! Oh and don’t forget the two bartenders! They were hard working too! So fun!”John FriendGalesburg, IL

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger®

“I just wanted to thank you [Tim Blum] for going above and beyond to help during my stay; and the level of empathy and caring was so appreciated. The level of ohana you expressed is the reason I return to Kauai so often.”Dana RositanoLos Gatos, CA

Employment opportunitiesIf you are interested in the position listed below and meet thequalifications, please go to Outrigger.com and click on Employmentat the bottom of the page. We only accept online applications forthe open positions from internal candidates. Hosts are required toinform their manager that they are applying for an internal posting.Application deadline for the following positions is Feb. 4, 2017.

Bell Clerk (on-call)A minimum of one year customer service experience preferred. Abilityto lift and move baggage weighing 75 lbs. Must be able to work any day and shift.

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According to statistics, every hour, nearly 250,000 plastic bottles are dumped in landfills. The average time for plastic bottles to decompose is around 700 years.

Used plastic dumped into our oceans destroys sea life at an estimated 1 million sea creatures a year.

Thanks to our OZONE initiative and continued partnership with Reynolds Recycling and Parents And Children Together (P.A.C.T.), Outrigger is making a difference. Hawai‘i’s five-cent bottle fee allows P.A.C.T. to recycle the containers for cash, and our host support helps ensure a steady supply of bottles while significantly reducing the amount of trash headed for the landfill. The proceeds help P.A.C.T., one of Hawai‘i’s leading private nonprofit family service agencies, to promote and support healthy individuals, families and communities by creating opportunities for them to identify and address their own strengths, needs and concerns and successfully realize their potential. For 2016, Embassy Suites by Hilton™-Waikiki Beach Walk®, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Resort® Waikiki Beachcomber, OHANA® Waikiki Malia by Outrigger® and OHANA® Waikiki East by Outrigger® have collected over 22 tons of recyclables, 7 tons more than 2015. Embassy Suites by Hilton™ - Waikiki Beach Walk® led the pack with over 15,000 pounds of recyclables collected. Hawai‘i’s Humuhumu are happy happy!

Congratulations to Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (ORF) for being recognized as a TripAdvisor GreenLeader!

ORF achieved GreenLeader Silver status for implementing:• A linen and towel reuse program• Regular energy usage tracking • Recycling• Installation of energy efficient light bulbs• Educational opportunities for hosts and guests on

green practices • Proper waste water treatment

Guests can also get in on the green action with Outrigger’s OZONE Eco-Adventure package. The package, available at both Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger

Waikiki Beach Resort, allows guests a buy one, get one free Waikiki Snorkel Eco-Adventure sail voucher; admission for two to the Waikīkī Aquarium, including audio tour; and a welcome gift (shown above) with reef-friendly sunscreen, swim goggles, mesh dive bag and a 2017 sea life calendar. As a company, we are proud to care for our place where our hosts live, work and play and where our guests can be a part of signature experiences that not only connect them to the place but allow them to make a difference. Congratulations and mahalo to the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach team for making the world a better place – one leaf at a time!

Outrigger saves Humuhumu and friends!By Lauren Haavik

Look for the leaf at Outrigger Reef!By Kathy Foley

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Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort hosts are China ready!By Sukanya Somphan

We were fortunate to welcome Wei Wei Sun and Bruce Wu to the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort to educate our hosts about China and Chinese guests through training and fun activites under the “Outrigger Guibin program.” The training was informative and taught our hosts about Chinese mannerisms, etiquettes, customs and traditions. They also learned a few key Chinese phrases just in time to welcome our Chinese guests for Chinese New Year. It was a fun and informative few days. Thank you, Wei Wei and Bruce, for providing insight and understanding about China and its people.

Outrigger Guam Beach Resort hosts Giants By Marvin Redona

The professional Japanese baseball team, Yomiuri Giants, held a baseball clinic with young baseball players of Guam. The Giants have been visiting Guam for about 10 years for private training during the cold season and started this clinic last year. Of the past 10 years visiting the island, the Giants stayed with the Outrigger Guam Beach Resort for the last 7 years. The young local players were thrilled to take a picture with the Giants players including, Hayato Sakamoto, Hisayoshi Chono, Shuichi Murata, Kazunari Sanematsu and Harutomo Tsuji. Hayato, widely regarded as one of the most promising stars in all of Japanese baseball today, has become a regular guest at our resort.

Hayato is interviewed at the Voyager 47 Club Lounge for TV Tokyo and

TV Asahi. TV Tokyo’s interview is scheduled to air sometime in March, and the interview from

TV Asahi is scheduled to air in Japan Jan. 22Marvin Redona, Outrigger Guam Beach Resort assistant sales manager (left)

with local baseball players and Giants baseball team

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Outrigger Guam Beach Resort kicks cancerBy Clarissa Sacla

Outrigger Guam Beach Resort (OGM) has been a supporter of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Relay for Life, through its Guam chapter, for many years. OGM has sponsored the charity’s kick-off meeting at the start of each year, and several other meetings throughout the months, by providing the venue and refreshments. This year's first meeting was held Jan. 23 with dozens of team captains from various corporate, private and government groups in attendance. The meetings are held to help the ACS as they prepare for Relay for Life, held in May, and allows the teams to share and learn information about what each is doing to raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause. Survivors and caregivers also provide insight on how they and their families have benefitted from the efforts of this charity and the community. In our meeting, one of this year’s “Hero of Hope,” Frankie Perez, shared some of his experiences as a cancer survivor. Mr. Perez is a local radio personality who was diagnosed with colon cancer a few years ago. Like many others, he said that prior to learning of his cancer, he didn’t know much about how the charity worked, how big of an impact it really had or the fact that this disease touches the lives of so many. He has since learned that the fundraising efforts go to research and development for new treatments and drugs, patient and caregiver assistance, the Hope Lodge and community awareness, among others. He has been a beneficiary of ACS’ efforts and has overwhelming gratitude for their good works. Last year’s fundraising efforts in Guam raised over $500,000, the sixth highest in the nation. This amount could fund three grants for research and development. This year’s theme for Relay for Life is “Family Game Night.”

Shedding kilos at Outrigger Fiji Beach ResortBy Donna Parkin

Buoyed by the success of the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort weight-loss campaign held two years ago, General Manager Peter Hopgood has launched a new contest challenging hosts at the resort to lose at least a combined 300kg (661 lbs) over 12 weeks. The program began Jan. 9 with more than 50 resort hosts participating. Hosts from the HR department co-ordinated physical check-ups by nursing staff from the Sigatoka District Hospital, including a blood sugar test, blood pressure screening, weight and height test and a BMI calculation with dietary advice. The host with the biggest weight loss percentage after 12 weeks will receive a grand prize. The resort’s activities attendant, William Muller, put together a workout program for each month with a weigh-in held every Monday to determine winners for the week. At last week’s weigh-in, the combined weight loss from all participants was 70kg (154 lbs). Peter said it was time for everyone, including himself to “get off the couch!” “Now is the time to start eating healthy and get our bodies back in shape. If we don’t do it now, we never will,” he said.

The Relay for Life Guam chapter at Outrigger Guam Beach Resort ready to make a difference!

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Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort gets rowdy for rugbyBy Donna Parkin

From Jan. 18 - 21, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s General Manager Peter Hopgood was joined by the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens team and one of the hosts of Rugby Legends for the launch of the 2017 Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens competition. The tournament attracted players from all over the world with national teams from Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and Samoa competing. The contest is conducted in what is traditionally a quiet time for tourism in Fiji, but Peter said that thanks to the Sevens, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort was almost sold out over the weekend of the tournament.

Peter Hopgood (far right), tournament sponsors and Karl Ta Nana (2nd from left), George Gregan (3rd from left) and Lote Tiquiri (2nd from right)

Flanked by rugby legends, former Australian rugby team captain George Gregan, Fiji-born former rugby player Lote Taiquiri and Commonwealth Games rugby gold medalist Karl Ta Nana, Peter said that it is the ambition of every Fijian boy to play in the Sevens. The province of Nadroga, where Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort is located, is the home of rugby fantatics, and the local youth dream of the opportunity to one day wear the famous black and white jersey of the Nadroga Stallions. The vivacious Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort cheerleaders captured the excitement of the event, cheering the Fiji teams on.

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort hosts with the Hong Kong Sevens Team

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort cheerleaders get rowdy