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Erika Kauffman has been appointed as Regional Director of Communications at Highgate

With more than 27 years of reputable marketing and communications experience, Erika Kauffman will oversee Highgate Hawaii's strategic communications, including partnerships such as TableOne Hospitality under restaurateur and Highgate partner Patric Yumul, set to open 12 ventures across Oahu, Maui and Kauai in 2024. Together, they recently unveiled MARA Restaurant & Bar at the newly opened Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, and an eatery epicenter at the new AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. Kauffman is distinguished in her results-driven strategies, partnership maximization, performance excellence and sustainable portfolio growth. Prior, Kauffman was the founder and president of EPR+, a 17-year independent marketing, communications and public relations consultancy that represented notable brands across travel, tourism and hospitality, film/television, luxury retail, NGOs, culture and the arts, and Hawaii's premiere events. With honors from Hawaii Pacific University, Kauffman represented as the 50th Ambassador of Aloha, serving as Miss Hawaii 1997. Born and raised on Hawai'i Island, her global mindset is derived from a diverse upbringing across 60+ countries through humanitarian missions.

Marla Kelly has been appointed as Complex Director of Sales and Marketing at Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador

Highgate, a leading hospitality management, investment and development company, has appointed Marla Kelly as the Complex Director of Sales and Marketing of Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador and the upcoming Romer House, scheduled to open in June. In her new role, Kelly will be responsible for spearheading all sales initiatives aimed at optimizing revenue and overall profitability as well as supervising marketing and public relations strategies for both properties.

LXR Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Hawaii with Opening of Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach

Hilton (NYSE: HLT), a global leader in hospitality, announces the opening of Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Nestled in the lively center of Waikīkī, Honolulu, the 462-room hotel launches a new chapter for the prestigious brand with world-class amenities, immersive destination-driven programming, and personalized service. Establishing a presence in Hawaii, LXR Hotels & Resorts welcomes Ka La'i Waikīkī Beach to its exclusive collection in some of the most sought-after global destinations from Kyoto, Japan to Seychelles, Africa that celebrate the timeless pursuit of adventure through a new taste of luxury defined by bespoke service and curated local experiences. Ka La'i Waikīkī Beach is owned by Irongate and managed by LXR Hotels & Resorts.

Scott Kawasaki has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Renaissance Honolulu

Highgate, a leading hotel management, investment and development company, has appointed Scott Kawasaki as Director of Sales & Marketing of the new Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, set to celebrate its grand opening in March 2024. In his new role, Kawasaki will lead all sales efforts to maximize revenue and overall profit, as well as oversee all marketing and public relations strategies.

AC Hotel Honolulu - Where Business Meets Aloha - Opening Next Month

A new urban retreat is coming to Honolulu's revitalized city center, AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu, set to open December 12, 2023. The first AC hotel on the island of Oahu and one of the first business-traveler-driven concepts in the area, AC Hotel Honolulu is a 112-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Honolulu's business district. Set near Oahu's Chinatown, this new hotel has easy access to the vibrant nightlife, art, and a budding restaurant scene. The new, modern hotel will feature a robust food and beverage program with a hidden speakeasy and signature elements of the AC Hotel brand - thoughtfully designed accommodations, curated public spaces, and intuitive technology.

Wes Zane has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at ESPACIO, The Jewel of Waikiki

Equally well-established on the Honolulu hospitality scene, Wes Zane brings to ESPACIO and Mugen more than five decades of management and ownership experience at a number of premier restaurants and hotels in the city. Most recently, he served as Consulting Manager and Founder of Culinaire Hawaii, where he oversaw concept development and the management of several independent and hotel restaurants. Prior, Zane spent eight years as Owner and Operator of Formaggio Wine Bar and Formaggio Grill, two years as Restaurant Manager at Kahala Hotel and Resort's Hoku's Restaurant, and 20 years as General Manager and Vice President at Hy's Steakhouse. Zane has also served as President of the Hawaii Restaurant Association and has been recognized with Hale Aina and Illima Dining Awards and will bring a uniquely local approach to Mugen's globally inspired ethos.

Gerald Glennon has been appointed as General Manager at ESPACIO, The Jewel of Waikiki

Gerald Glennon brings to ESPACIO extensive management experience at premier hotels in Honolulu and on both coasts of the mainland. Most recently, he served as Strategic Advisor at The Kahala Resort, responsible for management and strategic planning, after earlier serving as the property's General Manager. At The Modern Honolulu prior to that, Glennon served as Director Emeritus Senior Advisor, after spending three years as the hotel's Managing Director. Glennon has also served as General Manager of the Halekulani and earlier as Executive Assistant Manager overseeing multiple renovations and enhancements and guiding a team of more than 750 people. His earlier career includes tenures with Sofitel hotels in Miami and San Francisco, Westin Hotels and Amfac Hotels & Resorts.

Irongate and Hilton Announce the Future Debut of Wākea Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Today, Irongate, a lifestyle-driven real estate firm, and global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) proudly announce plans for a monumental transformation of one of Hawaii's most revered properties. The Trump International Hotel, Waikiki, will be reborn as Wākea Waikiki Beach under the expert management of LXR Hotels & Resorts officially taking place February 2024. LXR Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton's three distinctive luxury brands featuring a hand-picked collection of independent and spirited luxury properties celebrating the timeless pursuit of personal adventure.

Jamie Choi has been named Director of Sales & Marketing at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Boasting an impressive two-decade tenure in the industry, Choi will oversee the resort's sales and marketing efforts, continuing to drive strategic growth and maximize revenue. Prior, she served as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Laylow, Autograph Collection on Oahu. She has also held Director of Sales and Marketing roles at Hilton Waikiki Beach, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alana in Waikiki. Choi was awarded "Biggest Market Share Increase" by Pyramid Global Hospitality in 2022.

Rafael Torres has been appointed as General Manager at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

In his new role, Torres will oversee all operations and management of the resort. With 29 years of hospitality experience, Torres' career has spanned an impressive list of countries, including China, Costa Rica, the United States and Mauritius. Prior to joining 'Alohilani Resort, he served as Director of Operations and Interim General Manager at Fairmont Hotel Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where he oversaw hotel operations and led crucial projects, including a multimillion-dollar hotel renovation. Torres has also held leadership roles with various hotel brands such as Armani Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.

Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa set to open early 2024

Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, a captivating new destination where adventure meets authenticity in the heart of Honolulu is set to open in early 2024. Renaissance Honolulu, the brand's first location on the island of Oahu, will offer an immersive island experience to culturally curious travelers. Situated near the city's vibrant epicenter and its world-famous beaches, this brand new 39-story oasis features luxurious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and contemporary design.

Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador Opens Its Doors

While there are many ways to experience Oahu, the heart and soul of the island is uncovered by the boots-on-the-ground insights, experiences and insider knowledge that only true neighborhood natives can provide. The antidote to ordinary Oahu itineraries, Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador opened its doors October 1 following a full top-to-bottom, multi-million-dollar reimagination. Formerly known as The Ambassador Hotel Waikiki, the eclectic and spirited hotel debuts as a homebase for visitors looking to experience the island like a local. With views of downtown Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean, the property features an array of room types, creative design, unique programming and easy access to the island's legendary outdoor activities.

Kimberly Forte has been promoted to Director of Group Sales at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Kimberly Forte has been with the resort since 2019 where she started as a Senior Sales Executive. Prior to Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Forte was a Sales Executive at Marriott International, Western Mountain Pacific and has been entrenched in the Marriott brand for more than a decade. Forte held previous sales positions as the Associate Director of Sales and Senior Sales Manager at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, an Autograph Collection in Denver, as well as a Sales Manager and Assistant at Loews Hotels. As Director of Group Sales, Forte will oversee the resort's extensive portfolio of corporate groups, aiming to maximize sales and boost hotel revenues. She will actively develop and maintain business relationships and represent the hotel at customer events, trade shows and more.