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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:24 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2009

ResortQuest changes name back to Aston

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Forget ResortQuest Hawaii. The hotel chain is transforming back to its old brand-name — Aston Hotels & Resorts — with the help of a new marketing campaign.

The change, announced yesterday at the company's headquarters in Waikiki, comes as the Hawai'i-based management company celebrates its 61st year in the hospitality industry as one of the state's largest hotel and condominium resort management companies with tourism struggling to cope with the current economic downturn.

Resort president Kelvin Bloom said the name change is part of a rebranding marketing a new company logo.

"Returning to this well-recognized brand reminds employees and customers alike that the real spirit of hospitality is still very much alive at Aston Hotels & Resorts," Bloom said.

With the number of people traveling declining in Hawai'i and worldwide, Bloom said the familiar name may help to bring people back to "familiarity, trust and experience."

The company had gone from Aston to ResortQuest in 2005 after a series of owner/affiliation changes and shifts since 1998. To complete the return the old name, the company had to buy it back from current owner Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Former Aston executive Andre Tatibouet had earlier sold the name to Cendant Corp.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.