Hawaii to host agent events in UK after four-year break

Hawaii Tourism Europe (HTE) will give away return flights and accommodation during its first UK events for travel agents in four years.

The Manchester event will be held from 6pm on September 9 at Hilton Manchester Deansgate, with the London event the next day (September 10) from 6pm at Six Park Place, St. James’ Street.

Fleur Sainsbury, HTE’s UK market manager, said the destination’s return to the market represented a “pivotal moment”, adding: “Engaging with the travel trade is key to strengthening Hawaii’s position in the market and driving increased visitation.”

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The number of European visitors to Hawaii in the year to date stands at 35,637, which is 5% down compared with last year (37,611). The tourist spend is down by nearly 20%.

In pre-pandemic 2019, the first five months of the year saw 54,975 visitors from Europe. They spent $117.7 million, in contrast to $97.1 million in the first half of this year and $119.6 million in the first half of last year.

Looking forward to next month’s trade events, Sainsbury said: “The Aloha Europe Sales Mission is crucial as it allows us to reconnect with existing and new partners and ensure that Hawaii is a top-of-mind destination for travellers considering the USA.”

Each event will have roundtable, speed dating-style meetings where agents will have the chance to ask suppliers key questions. Hawaii’s leading tourism partners will be in attendance, including representatives from Kauaʻi and O’ahu islands and the island of Hawaiʻi, as well as representatives from hotels and attractions.

Live music and cultural performances will also feature, while one lucky agent each evening will win a return trip to Hawaii including United Airlines flights and accommodation with partners such as Outrigger and Waikīkī Collection.

Sainsbury added: “We are excited to bring the spirit of Aloha back to the UK and to work closely with our partners to showcase the incredible experiences Hawaii has to offer, inspiring them to sell longer and more complex itineraries filled with authentic experiences.

“This is an opportunity for agents to gain firsthand knowledge and updates whilst deepening their understanding of Hawaii’s unique and diverse attractions, culture and hospitality.”

In addition to the agent-focused events, HTE has scheduled meetings for product managers in Chester and London.