Booming Hawaii Tourism Prompts Aqua Hospitality to Spend Over $55 Million on Enhancements

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqua Hospitality (www.AquaHospitality.com) announced it is undergoing $55 million in enhancement projects across a number of its 24 hotels in response to the strength of Hawaii’s recovery from the recession. Aqua, which recently unveiled three new brands for its diversified collection, is the only hotel management company in Hawaii with properties on all six major islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Molokai and Lanai.

“The state has a collaborative effort involving the government, visitors bureaus and the private sector and the increasing tourism spending is filtering through the entire Hawaiian economy. Now is the time to work with our owners to reinvest.”

“It’s no surprise Hawaii recovered quickly from the recession,” says Ben Rafter, President and CEO of Aqua Hospitality. “The state has a collaborative effort involving the government, visitors bureaus and the private sector and the increasing tourism spending is filtering through the entire Hawaiian economy. Now is the time to work with our owners to reinvest.”

Aqua’s successful strategy of marketing its wide range of accommodations to travelers from all over the world has resulted in dramatically increased business from strong economies like China, Korea and Australia. The improving United States and Canadian economies are also pushing Aqua’s occupancy and revenue numbers to new company highs.

“Aqua experienced strong growth during the recession because our hotels have appeal across all economic and geographic segments,” said Rafter. “With global economies recovering, Aqua is upgrading our hotels to ensure we continue to expand our market share in Hawaii.”

“We currently have many properties upgrading, with an approximate total of over $55 million being spent collectively,” added Rafter. “The comprehensive improvements range from lobbies to rooms to meeting space – we even have our Kauai Beach Resort installing a huge array of solar panels over their parking lot to reduce our carbon footprint and utility costs. It’s an exciting time.”

About Aqua Hospitality®

Aqua Hospitality is a Hawaii-based management company founded in 2001. The company provides full-service management including sales, marketing, Internet distribution, individualized branding, reservations, as well as revenue management to maximize profitability. Aqua offers lifestyle full-service resorts, stylish boutique hotels, comfortable budget properties and a historic hotel within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information on the company, individual hotels, and its three brands of hotels – Monogram Hotel Collection, Aqua Hotels and Resorts and Lite Hotels – visit www.aquahospitality.com or call 1-808-943-9291.

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