Last fall Castle Resorts & Hotels launched its first-ever
travel agent incentive, called 5 for 50. While it wasn’t created
strictly for Molokai, the program stimulated bookings at Castle’s
two Molokai properties, which are traditionally a harder sell than
its resorts on other islands.
“The 5 for 50 program became a motivating factor once the
agents’ clients decided on Molokai as a destination,” said Kathryn
Acorda, Castle Resorts & Hotels’ marketing director.
This spring Castle is reprising the incentive program, good on
new bookings made through May 31 for travel from March 15-June 30.
It pays agents $50 cash for every five-night minimum booking at a
participating Castle resort.
Along with its two Molokai resorts, Castle manages 18 properties
on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.
As Castle promotes its Molokai properties, it also pitches the
island as a destination. “We partner on marketing efforts with the
Molokai Visitors Association and the airlines,” said Acorda, “and
we set attractive rates for our Molokai properties to make the
island affordable.”
Each of Castle’s Molokai resorts has dealt with challenges in
recent years. The 45-room Hotel Molokai basically disappeared from
view when it was closed for three years. Its current owners bought
it, extensively renovated it and reopened it 1998.
On the west end of the island, the 72-unit Kaluakoi Villas
condominium was impacted when the adjacent Kaluakoi Resort Golf
Club closed for 18 months due to ownership changes. Nine holes of
the course reopened late last year, and business has stabilized,
said Acorda.
Notable for its rustic Polynesian-style architecture, Hotel
Molokai offers live entertainment and an oceanfront swimming pool,
but at the same time it maintains what Acorda called an “old-Hawaii
feeling.” Located near the mid-island town of Kaunakakai, the hotel
gives clients the chance to mingle with the locals and try island
eateries, Acorda said. “It’s perfect for adventure-seekers and
clients wanting to experience the untouched part of Hawaii,” she
said.
Travel agents visiting Hotel Molokai get a 30 percent discount
off rack rates, with nightly agent rates from $60. Kaluakoi Villas
extends agents a 50 percent discount off rack, from $69 per
night.
Both properties offer the fourth night free to its guests.
www.castleresorts. com or 800-367-5004
