HVCB's Julie Zadeh, flanked by Hawaiian dancers
Kim Kuzyk, Cruise Connections with Uniglobe Travel's Hank Oostveen
Jennifer Rinker, Pleasant Holidays; Janette Elibaccus, YTB Travel Network of Canada & Ricardo Leung, Y & C Holiday Inc
Atlantis Submarines' Yuki Ann Potter & Brenda Baroso with Patti Maloney, All About Hawaii
It’s official – Canadians do have a soft spot for Hawaii.
At the recent oversubscribed Hawaii Destination Event in YVR, 16 suppliers rubbed shoulders with enthusiastic agents in a cosy function room at the Shangri-La Hotel. The agents arrived in droves, eager to learn more about the destination.
Organized by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), YVR is the only Canadian venue and the last stop for this roadshow that travelled to California, LAS, PHX and PDX. The team was in town to thank agents – YVR is the #1 Canadian market for the destination – and to present product updates and incentives.
Preliminary statistics for 2012 indicated that Hawaii recorded its best year ever in terms of visitor numbers, gushed our host, HVCB’s Julie Zadeh, Managing Director – Travel Trade Marketing. There were 7,998,815 arrivals, a 9.6% increase from 2011’s figures. This exceeded the previous high of 7,628,118 visitors in 2006. Canada, the destination’s 3rd largest market after the U.S. mainland and Japan, saw a 4.3% rise to reach 498,241.
After a quick spin around the trade show floor, attendees were called to lunch by 2 Hawaiian musicians singing a local version of the doxology, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,” accompanied by a ukulele. During the buffet lunch that was interspersed with music and hula performances, suppliers presented a summary of their offerings and several delighted agents went home with prizes for tours and accommodations.
Yet another announcement caused some excitement. HVCB has just started a loyalty program for agents (www.tauniv.com) that awards 3 free trips every quarter. To join, agents first need to become destination specialists. Plus, destination specialists can also look forward to getting referrals from the HVCB’s website when consumers need help with a booking.
They came, they sang, they danced and they continue to lure us with their charm. Hawaii indeed has not lost its appeal.
Did I mention that April and May are mahalo months, meaning it’s when agents can plan their own FAMs? Check out www.Agents.GoHawaii.com for more details.
