Lodging Conference Notebook: Updates from the Brands

HOTELS magazine sat down with multiple owners, managers and developers during the Lodging Conference in Phoenix Sept. 23-26 — Outrigger Hotels and Resorts just presented a five-point plan to its board, and continues to position itself for growth with the help of its owner KSL Capital Partners, which is in the process of deploying its fifth fund.

Outrigger President and CEO Jeff Wagoner told HOTELS that Asia Pacific remains its biggest target with 25 of its 30-property pipeline coming from the region. The other five are in its home base of Hawaii. Wagoner added that California and Mexico are also desired expansion markets.

To that end, Outrigger just hired a new chief development officer Kenny Kan to source acquisitions and management contracts.

Outrigger is also developing a condo-rental platform in Hawaii called Unit Choice. It currently has 100 units enrolled, starting on Maui, and is in the process of finalizing a technology platform before further rolling out the concept by the end of the year.

Looking ahead, Wagoner predicts 3% performance growth for 2020, which he says could be aided by more strict vacation rental laws in Hawaii.