The Waka History
Our Balinese sales staff proved their worth and business boomed.
A marketing activities plan and positioning statement for the Wakalouka Company was written at this time (early 1994) this was religiously adhered to by Waka Experience staff and associated companies; and it still is!
This dogma maintains consistency through rules and regulations. For example, there are no televisions in the room; no plastic in any form, anywhere; fresh flowers in local pottery; and simple wood, natural fabrics and recycled paper are used throughout the resorts. The design style is traditional but modern; monastic in its simplicity but with all the creature comforts included. The result is stylish and avant-garde, but always Indonesian and especially Balinese.
Waka Maya in Sanur, is operated in partnership with an investor (a beloved German family) – offering distinctive villas and bungalows, located away from the crowds and shops.
This resort was able to be successfully marketed because of the brand
name - Waka. It immediately plugged in to the existing network, and as long as the management, quality control, style and service is maintained, it will continue to thrive.
This was 1998 – an interesting and challenging year for Indonesia in general and Bali in particular – the year of Merdeka and Reformasi.
Nevertheless, all the Waka resorts day trips – maintained success through this transitory period for the country.
Two new Waka resorts were launched in the years 1999 – 2000. Both have been deliberately situated in non-traditional tourist areas of Bali – Waka Gangga on the ocean beach near Tabanan, and Waka Shorea in the heart of Bali Barat National Park. Both were created specifically for the environment they are located in, and cater for a specific market segment. They both utilize the unique selling proposition of being ‘away from the crowds’ and the more inhabited areas of Bali. In their first year of operation, both the travel industry and its clients, primarily because of the promise inherent in the brand name Waka, immediately accepted them.
In addition to the two new resorts, we added a five star evening dinner boat cruise carrying the branding ‘Waka’. The ‘Starlight Dinner Cruise’ was a specialized, romantic dinner experience which was premium priced to differentiate it from its more mass-market competitors. The ‘Starlight Dinner Cruise’ was an immediate success – the result of the ‘Waka’ branding, the promotional publicity network, and the efficient Waka sales team.
N.B.
(This was re-launched as The Waka Dinner Cruise in 2005 with the re-designed WakaLouka – as well the Waka was then launched - a brand new purpose built state of the art sailing catamaran – to take over the old WakaLouka.
In the second half of 2001 two (2) new Waka properties were opened – both completely supported by the travel industry Waka Barong in Ubud and Waka di Abian north of Ubud in the Payangan district. Early in 2002 a new style of Waka resort was conceived a Waka ‘make over’ of Padma Indah a family resort. We – Waka now had a resort catering for more than couples - a family affair in the Waka style – Waka Padma. (Later to be changed to Waka Namya)
New positive Action; - 2005 / 2006
At this time the old Wakalouka sailing catamaran was re-fitted and converted to be an exclusive cruise and dine restaurant on Benoa Harbour; and a new state of the art sailing catamaran ‘The Waka was launched to sail day trips to Lembongan Island and down to Candi Dasa; and a luxury Waka Motor Yacht began taking charters' - the Waka fleet had arrived.
In conclusion, any new resort or product marketed under the Waka brand still can be assured of immediate acceptance by the travel industry and its clients, and by the worldwide network of travel magazines, books catalogs, and will by definition be successful under all or most conditions, however the current situation has made this just that much more difficult, we have to work smart !
Travel warnings, embargoes and cautionary advise are keeping people away from Indonesia – and now include Bali Island.
But as always the future belongs to the brave – he who dares wins.
Tat Twam As
