The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has a Travel Trade Department dedicated to working with travel professionals in the Honolulu Headquarters office as well as Eastern and Western Regional mainland representatives to provide training and support. In addition, HVCB has launched a new and improved website at agents.gohawaii.com designed specifically for travel professionals featuring a suite of innovative tools an engaging content. The site delivers upgraded sales and marketing tools and the new, multi-module Hawaii Destination Specialist Program all easily accessible from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Key features include: Island Resource Pages, Hawaiian Language Audio Dictionary, Media Center with Library of Videos and Images, Activities and Attractions Directory, Festival and Events Directory, Explore Hawaii Interactive Travel Guide, Downloadable Marketing Templates, Posters and Maps, Expressly for Agents monthly eNewsletter and wholesaler listings.
More than sun, sand and surf, Hawai‘i is unlike any other destination offering fascinating history and culture, a vibrant culinary scene, and friendly people who embody the aloha spirit. Travel professionals provide tremendous value in not only customizing an itinerary that best fits their clients’ interests, but also helping them navigate the unique experiences available on each of the six major Hawaiian Islands. —Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island.
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21 May 24
TRAINING | COMPETITION
Mālama Maui By Visiting MindfullyMālama Maui In West Maui, recent wildfires have resulted in the devastating loss ...Read moreMālama Maui By Visiting Mindfully - News & announcementsMālama Maui
In West Maui, recent wildfires have resulted in the devastating loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historic sites and businesses. However, amidst the tragedy, the spirit of Maui remains strong. As Lahaina recovers, respectful travel to the accessible areas of Maui is welcomed – now more than ever.
With the exception of Lahaina, we encourage your clients to visit the accessible areas of Maui mindfully, as well as the other Hawaiian Islands. Your clients’ time in Hawai‘i will bolster the local economy and positively impact Maui’s road to recovery.
Stay updated by visiting gohawaii.com/maui-travel-updates.Become a certified Hawai‘i Destination Specialist today.
Demand for Hawai‘i is timeless and consistently high—and so are satisfaction levels from visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to fortifying you with the expertise and insight to enrich your clients’ visits, this program provides exclusive benefits.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
- Multiple tiers to complete at your own pace
- Valuable customer referrals
- Priority invitation to Hawai‘i educational events
- Access to specialist-only webinars
- Use of the Hawai‘i Destination Specialist badge
- Continuing education credits from The Travel Institute
- Travel discounts upon completion of all six certifications
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21 May 23
Partner News
Hawai’i’s Regenerative Tourism Movement – Maui NuiThe Hawai'i Tourism Authority is committed to regenerative tourism for Hawai'i, seeking to balance ...Read moreHawai’i’s Regenerative Tourism Movement – Maui Nui - News & announcementsThe Hawai'i Tourism Authority is committed to regenerative tourism for Hawai'i, seeking to balance the economics of tourism with the wellbeing of our communities, natural resources, and culture. This includes attracting and educating positive-impact travelers who are mindful of how they respect and interact with residents, of how their movement through Hawai'i impacts the environment positively and of how they value and respect the Hawaiian culture and other cultures of Hawai'i. This commitment to regenerative tourism advocates for solutions to overcrowded sites, overtaxed infrastructure, and other tourism-related issues; and works with responsible agencies, community, and stakeholders to improve natural and cultural assets valued by Hawai'i's residents. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority in partnership with the counties, respective island visitors bureaus and community stakeholders, developed Destination Management Actions Plans (DMAP) for Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui Nui and Hawai'i Island. Learn more at: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/hta-programs/destination-management-actionplans/. For the Maui DMAP, visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/6860/hta-maui-action-plan.pdf. Advance Reservation Systems As part of a statewide effort to promote regenerative tourism, counties, and state agencies in Hawaiʻi are actively managing hotspot attractions by implementing advance reservation systems. These systems are instrumental in managing visitor capacity, protecting Hawai'i's natural environment and cultural sites, improving experiences and allowing us to better steward the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors should understand the importance of making advance reservations so they can better enjoy and mālama (care for, protect and preserve) Hawai'i.- ʻĪao Valley State Monument Park: Advance reservations are now required for out of state visitors. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Visitors making parking reservations are required to select a time slot to spread out visitation across the day. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person with no charge for children under three-years of age. Reservations can be made within 30 days at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/iao-valley
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park - Advance reservations required for out of state visitors. Parking is $10. Visitors making parking reservations will be required to select a time slot to spread out visitation across the day. Reservations can be made within 30 days at https://www.gowaianapanapa.com
- Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is looking for interested individuals to join our volunteer team. They offer hands-on learning opportunities, meaningful outdoor experiences, and a unique wetland environment teeming with birds, insects, and plants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. By volunteering, itʻs an opportunity to conserve wildlife and wild places for today and generations to come. To learn how to get involved, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kealia-pond/get-involved
- Kaʻehu is a nonprofit organization with the goal to restore the land and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian culture using a community-based, inclusive, family-oriented approach to environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. That relationship between people and place grows stronger every time you mālama (give back). When you give back to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the fishpond, the community, you're part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone. Including your experience as a visitor. For more information on how to volunteer, visit https://www.kaehu.org/
- Leilani Farm Sanctuary offers a tour of this idyllic farm sanctuary, home to a myriad of farm animals including bunnies, a donkey, goats, a pig, tortoise, kitties, chickens and even a friendly deer. After your tour, lend a hand on this vegan farm to help rescued animals. https://leilanifarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/
- Lānaʻi Day Trip to Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary and using the Lānaʻi Guide App: https://mauitourism.org/visit-lanai.htm
- Farmers Markets: Upcountry Farmers Market, Wailea Village Farmers Market, Maui Sunday Market, Kumu Farms at the Country Market
- Kapa Curious (great for groups): An innovative Hawai'i-based company that incorporates traditional teachings with modern techniques to create unique and original pieces that educate their customers in the Hawaiian culture: https://www.kapacurious.com/
- Sunny Savage. Take a guided plant hike to responsibly harvest invasive edibles: https://sunnysavage.com/
- Coconut Information. Besides taking a farm tour, Coconut Information provides cooking classes that teach visitors how to make delicious meals with the incredible coconut: https://www.coconutinformation.com/
- Lokelani Essentials. Products are available to purchase online and in stores. Occasional workshops are also offered. Lokelani Roses are organically and sustainably grown. All the essential oil blend products are crafted with a homemade touch and love: https://www.lokelaniessentials.com
- Westside Maui Farm Tours: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Farm, Dragon Fruit Farm
- Upcountry Maui Farm Tours: O'o Farms, Kula Country Farm, Surfing Goat Dairy, Malolo Protea Farm, Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm, Maui Tea Farm
- Eastside Maui Farm Tours: Ono Organic Farm, Hāna Tropicals
- Stay at Kāʻanapali Shores to take advantage of free mineral-only sunscreen on site, enjoy reusable water bottles and filtered water for refills on site, and know that the property has stopped the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on their landscape (great for bare feet!).
- Other partners for the program include Kahana Falls, Wailea Residence Inn and Coldwell Vacation properties.
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15 Jun 22
TRAINING | COMPETITION
It’s Time to Reconnect with HawaiiWhy Now is the Right Time to Learn About Hawaii Embrace the Hawaiian ...Read moreIt’s Time to Reconnect with Hawaii - News & announcementsWhy Now is the Right Time to Learn About Hawaii
Embrace the Hawaiian sense of hookipa (hospitality) and the spirit of aloha. Reconnect with this special destination safely. Learn more about how to malama (care for) these truly unique islands. Stay on top of the latest health and safety policies, and help your clients create enriching experiences on their next vacation.Exclusive benefits for you:
- Flexible, multitiered program to complete at your own pace
- Valuable consumer referrals
- Access to specialist-only webinars
- Use of the Hawaii Destination Specialist badge
- Continuing education credits from The Travel Institute
- Opportunity to be considered for an in-destination Master Specialist Program
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08 Jun 22
TRAINING | COMPETITION
Welcome to the Hawai‘i Destination Specialist ProgramThis was designed to help you, our travel professional partners, seize the opportunity to ...Read moreWelcome to the Hawai‘i Destination Specialist Program - News & announcementsThis was designed to help you, our travel professional partners, seize the opportunity to share our islands with your customers! The people of Hawai‘i truly want to welcome your clients to the islands and to share our aloha.