Category Archives: Our Industry

Guam Visitors Bureau and Pleasure Island Present the Guam BBQ Block Party

BY LISA LENCKOWSKI — Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and Pleasure Island recently held a press conference at the Outrigger Guam Resort to present the Guam BBQ Block Party being held today from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. within Pleasure Island, … Read More.

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International Travel – 1 Billion Opportunities a Year! But the U.S. Is Missing the Boat!

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — While staying at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort recently, I had a chance to talk to many of our guests. They were a very diverse group, coming from all over the world – Japan, … Read More.

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Politics Snarls Travel & Tourism

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — The skies over the United States are not so friendly these days as more and more airline flights and their passengers are being delayed, allegedly as a result of the Federal Aviation Administration’s budget having … Read More.

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Thoughts on the Boston Bombing

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — As I write this article, I know that every member of our ‘ohana is deeply saddened by the horrific events that marred last Monday’s running of the Boston Marathon. We grieve for the three who … Read More.

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Merrie Monarch Festival Celebrates 50 Years

BY DR. CHUCK KELLEY — This week, in Hilo, the Merrie Monarch Festival has been celebrating its 50th anniversary. Tickets were sold out for the celebration, featuring an arts and crafts fair, hula demonstrations, a grand parade through downtown Hilo … Read More.

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Higher Taxes, Legislative Issues Will Affect All Businesses

BY BARBARA CAMPBELL — On March 20, Outrigger’s retail and restaurant partners attended a special presentation by David Carey and Max Sword addressing pending legislation. Several issues, if passed in the 2013 legislature, will affect our tourism industry and all … Read More.

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Keep Hotel Room Tax Law As It Stands: Don’t Gamble On Continued World Peace and Prosperity

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — As the Hawai‘i Legislature moves past the halfway point of its 2013 session, members of the Senate and House of Representatives are reading reports of record tourism numbers for Hawai‘i in 2012 and bullish predictions … Read More.

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It’s Not Just a Bad Dream: It’s a Real Nightmare

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — As I write this column on the last day of February, I have a vision of a storm at sea. Am I dreaming? I see a sailing ship battered by wind and waves as it … Read More.

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Thoughts From the Chairman Emeritus: Congratulations on a Great Year but Watch Out For Trouble Ahead

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — This week I had an opportunity to speak to many members of our ‘ohana at our Quarterly Business Review. Here is a summary of my remarks. Read More.

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Raise the Hotel Room Tax Again? Are You Kidding?

BY DR. RICHARD KELLEY — Some readers may have seen an article I was invited to submit for this week’s edition of Honolulu’s Pacific Business News (PBN) to help in that publication’s celebration of its 50th anniversary. In my article … Read More.

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