"Family travel is a very important part of the market in Hawaii, representing approximately 25 percent of all visitors," said Rob Solomon, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. "As Hawaii's leading family-owned hospitality company for over 50-years, we have a very deep commitment to providing the best possible family vacation experience."

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts weighed many different factors when defining what makes a property family friendly. One of the most important criteria for each property is the amount of space in each accommodation. The goal is to have enough room to sleep at least 4 people comfortably, or a family suite. Whether or not hotels have adjoining or "connecting" rooms is also an important factor.

The presence of other amenities such as: sofa beds, rollaway beds and cribs, kitchenettes with a refrigerator and microwave, in-room video games, appropriate (G or PG rated) movies or in-room VCRs is also rated in the Family Friendly Certification process. The program scrutinizes the services available at each property, such as available babysitting, a "kid's selection" on the room service menu, a fast-food restaurant or deli either on-site or within short wailing distance to the property, a children's pool, or whether stroller services are available on property or nearby. The presence of a shuttle service to the airport and to tourist attractions is also important.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has come up with a point system for rating each property based on the previously mentioned criteria. The family friendly certification program is being applied to each of the full-service Outrigger hotels, resorts and condominiums in the Islands, as well as all of its moderately priced OHANA properties. Upon completion of the certification process, staff at each of the qualifying properties undergoes training on the specifics of family friendly hospitality to be able to assist families and answer their questions regarding the program.

The family friendly certification program is the latest element of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts' innovative series of family programs. The other three elements of the program include the Cowabunga Kids Club, the Island Explorer Kit, and the "Family Fun Guide to Hawaii" CD-ROM.

According to Solomon, "We have designed Outrigger's family friendly program to emphasize the importance of travel as an opportunity to renew family bonds through a unique combination of entertaining, educational and participation offerings specifically developed to make a family visit to Hawaii as enjoyable and easy as possible."

For more information on family programs at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts go to Outrigger Resorts, Hawaii, Family Fun