From the Director

Of the nearly 3000 businesses listed in GoHawaii.com, only about 900 have chosen to include images with their listings.  That means over 2000 of you are allowing your competitors to attract away consumers who could be reading your listing instead. 

In today's business climate, we need to take advantage of every opportunity available to draw as many customers to your company as possible.  Adding images to your listing is a simple, easy, and most of all FREE, way to make your listing stand out from the crowd.

Each business level member is allowed to include two separate images with their listing.  The smaller image, must be 50x50 pixels with a file size of less than 11kb.  The larger image should be 165x165 pixels with a file size of less than 45kb. 

By logging into the Partner Online Portal, you can upload your images directly into your listing at any time.  Simply format them correctly beforehand, login and upload them, and you're done!

We even have an instructional module in our Partner Online Educational Series that will walk you through the entire process step by step.  We show you everything from how to format an image, to how exactly to upload it via the Portal.  The lesson is available with the rest of our Educational Series at search.gohawaii.com/kw/poes.

If you've forgotten your login information for the Partner Online Portal, or if you're a member at our Kukui Level and would like information on how you can receive this benefit, please contact us at membership@hvcb.org.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at membership@hvcb.org.

Mahalo,

Gina Salvador

HVCB, Director of Membership

Inside this Month's Issue

		Message From Interim President Les Enderton

Hawaii Welcomes Inaugural Flight, Greets China Airlines Media FAM

China Airlines resumes direct service between Taipei and Honolulu after two-year hiatus

HVCB's "Summer Hawai'i" Campaign Boosts Travel Bookings From Japan

HVCB Print Ads Recognized for Excellence by Japan's Largest Newspaper

POES: Can your Web copy do a better sales job?

Writing for the Web is different but not hard. Learn how to improve your Web site copy and increase your sales. Peter Kay takes you through this month's POES installment.

Aloha Concierge Talk About Their Love for Hawaii

Meet three Aloha Concierge as they reveal their passion for island people and places

Advertising in HVCB's E-Xpressly or Travel Professionals E-Newsletter

Take advantage of this opportunity to market yourself to travel professionals

Island Chapters Update

Check out the latest news from the Maui Visitors Bureau, Big Island Visitors Bureau, and Oahu Visitors Bureau!

2003 Lana'i Island Event - Marketing Advantages

Last chance to register!

Here's What Members Have to Say

Aloha & Welcome to the HVCB Ohana

Mahalo For Your Continued Support & Participation

Message From Interim President Les Enderton  

Aloha Valued Member,

As an integral part of the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau 'Ohana, I would like to express our appreciation for your continued support of the marketing and promotion of our Islands of Aloha.  The HVCB would also like to ensure you that our 2003 marketing plan will remain on track throughout the remainder of the year.  All services and cooperative programs available to our marketing partners will continue to be carried out as planned, including programs for the Major Market Areas of Japan and Developing International Markets.

We are currently finalizing on our 2004 Annual Tourism Marketing Plan.  Be assured that while we move forward, we are continuously working to enhance existing programs, and developing new ideas to reach our target market areas.  Please feel free to email the Membership Department with any questions you may have at membership@hvcb.org. 

E Malama Pono,

Les Enderton

Interim President, HVCB

& OVB Executive Director

Hawaii Welcomes Inaugural Flight, Greets China Airlines Media FAM

235 de-boarding crew and passengers from China Airlines Flight #002 were greeted at Honolulu International Airport with freshly cut orchid lei and the sounds of authentic Hawaiian music, provided by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, on July 17th.  China Airlines Flight #002 was the first direct flight between Taipei, Taiwan to Honolulu, Hawaii since the airline ceased its route in 2001.

The direct service connecting Taipei and Honolulu is the only one of its kind in the travel industry.  It is offered twice a week on a three-month trial basis.  The new flight on Airbus 340 aircraft represent an additional 2,064 seats per month serving the Islands.

In conjunction with the lei greeting ceremony, China Airlines sponsored international tickets for 16 participants in its China Airlines Media FAM.  HVCB Taiwan Worldwide representative assisted in selecting qualified travel writers and media contacts from widely circulated magazines and newspapers in Taiwan.  Exposure value for the group exceeded $125,000 with a circulated audience of nearly 6 million.  Dragon Hawaii Tours was appointed by China Airlines to handle the group's itinerary and transportation during their stay on Oahu (July 17-20, 2003).

To welcome the China Airlines Media FAM, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau hosted a dinner at Mariposa.  Chef Douglas Lum prepared a four-course meal against the backdrop of a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.  In attendance were representatives from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, China Airlines and Dragon Hawaii Tours.  Chef Douglas Lum also supported the group's efforts in showcasing "Pacific Rim" cuisine by preparing separate dishes for photographs.

Taiwan is one of Asia's top sources for international visitors annually generating more than 6 million travelers, which is approximately one-fourth of the nation's population.  The U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries estimates that Taiwan visitors to the U.S. will decrease by seven percent in 2003 (268,000 arrivals,) primarily due to fears over contracting SARS.  However, U.S. travel is projected to increase by nine percent in 2004 and an additional five percent in 2005.

For more information on the China Airlines Lei Greeting Ceremony and the Media FAM, please contact Michele Lee - Event Coordinator at 1-808-924-0240, or via e-mail at mlee@hvcb.org.

HVCB's "Summer Hawai'i" Campaign Boosts Travel Bookings From Japan

The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) is projecting that visitors from Japan will continue to increase for Hawai'i throughout the remainder of summer. This is due in large part to a multi-level marketing campaign initiated by HVCB in May.

"Our Summer Hawai'i campaign has been well received at all levels, from the package planners who actually create the tour products to the sales agents interacting with customers," said Steven Matsuo, HVCB director of sales for Japan.

 "We have seen a renewed excitement about travel to Hawai'i since the campaign began. Several tour operators have reported that bookings to Hawai'i have increased significantly for summer and are getting better with each passing month," Matsuo said.

The campaign concluded with the Governor's Ohana Mission, July 6-11, in which HVCB organized a full schedule of media events, meetings with government officials, and high-profile receptions involving travel industry VIPs. Led by Governor Linda Lingle, the overriding message of aloha and goodwill generated wide-scale positive media exposure on Hawai'i's behalf throughout Japan.

HVCB's newspaper ads were recognized for excellence by noted graphic designer Shigeo Fukuda in Yomiuri Newspaper, Japan's largest newspaper with a circulation of 12 million readers. Acknowledging the campaign's impact, Fukuda selected Summer Hawai'i as one of five ads deserving special recognition in June for his column Advertising Watching.

For more information please contact Steven Matsuo at (808) 923-1811 or e-mail him at stsmatsuo@hvcb.org.

POES: Can your Web copy do a better sales job? .

Go to http://search.gohawaii.com/kw/poes  and learn from the pros on how to write for the Web.

For many companies, their Web site is the sole source of sales information and many times the most popular way of closing business. If you consider your Web site to be part of your sales force, do you think it can do a better job of selling?  Sometimes you can make a significant impact on sales by making relatively small adjustments to your Web copy. But how?

Luckily, there are many good resources online to help you improve your Web copywriting skills. As part of our ongoing monthly installment of the Partner Online Education Series (POES), we're happy to roll out our fifth issue.  This month we've spent hours searching the Web for great information and have condensed it all into a collection of descriptive Web links.

And as a special treat, we're also featuring an interview with author Rachel McAlpine whose book, "Web Word Wizardry, A Net-Savvy Writing Guide" has received some glowing reviews on Amazon.com.  We asked her for a few tips specific to the visitor industry and you'll definitely want to read what she's got to say.

This month's POES installment will be a little different in that it is Web-only and uses extensive linking to other sites. We'll be looking forward to your feedback!

If the Web is important and you want to get some solid advice on better writing, this exciting episode is for you!

Just go to http://search.gohawaii.com/kw/poes  and find out how to get a competitive advantage!

Let us know what you think!

Peter Kay on behalf of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

poes@cybercominc.com

Aloha Concierge Talk About Their Love for Hawaii

Rod:  "I gained most of my knowledge through experience-I have seen the industry at its best."

Rod has been working in the tourism industry for the past 30 years.  Born and raised in Hawaii, he previously worked as a travel consultant in various restaurants including Spencecliff, "The House of Lono," an Al Harrington Production, and has taken Hawaiiana classes from the late Dr. George Kanahele. He currently volunteers at the Hawaii Theatre as an usher during his spare time.

Vicki:  Vicki is a graduate of UC Berkley and has been living in Hawaii for the past 26 years.  In addition to beautiful tropical sunshine weather year round, she appreciates the multi-ethnic culture of which no group is a majority. The cultural heritage attractions for educating residents as well as visitors are important assets to her. Honolulu has that small city feel with big city symphony, theatre, traveling shows and above all, the Aloha Spirit.

Gerry:  "I love Hawaii for our green mountains and blue sea and skies.  When I am away from Hawaii for a couple of weeks, I truly appreciate it so much more when I return and count my blessings that I am able to live here in Hawaii Nei."

Born and raised in a multi-ethnic sugar plantation camp on the island of Maui, her many activities include volunteering at Iolani Palace, the Salvation Army and the Honolulu Symphony.

All of the concierge each have their reasons why they love Hawaii and, through their experiences and expertise, are able to provide convention delegates with the information they need and encourage their return to these beautiful islands.  For more information on the Aloha Concierge Service at the Hawaii Convention Center, contact Jaci Murakami at jmurakami@hvcb.org.

Advertising Opportunities in HVCB's E-Xpressly or Travel Professionals E-Newsletter

HVCB's monthly travel trade e-newsletter is distributed to more than 56,000 travel agents, including our 6,000 plus Hawaii Destination Specialist travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. Current information on trade events, educational programs and island updates are provided along with promotional offers from our partners. The cost to participate is $500 per issue.

Ad Content Includes:

Header and teaser paragraph including  full color logo, image, toll-free number, web site link and special offer

"Pop-up" page with your logo, images and detailed ad copy

Link tracking - click through statistics reported to advertisers after each broadcast

A recent newsletter is available at http://www.hvcb.org/membership/kahewale/0803/Travel_Trade_August.html.

All submissions placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so sign up now.  Contact Dan Gomez at dgomez@hvcb.org, or by phone at (808) 924-0271.

Vencl Named Maui Visitors Bureau Executive Director

WAILUKU, HAWAI'I - The Board of Directors of the Maui Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce Terryl Vencl as executive director of the agency. As executive director of the Maui Hotel Association for the past 11 years, Vencl has been a strong advocate for the visitor industry. She has also served as chair of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, president of the Maui Business Council, and executive director of the Miss Maui Scholarship Pageant.

 "This is a critical position for our tourism industry and Maui in general," said Mayor Alan Arakawa. "While Terryl has some big shoes to fill, we are confident she will continue to lead the Bureau and maintain our position as the best island in the world."

 "We were excited to see such a high caliber of applicants," said Donn Takahashi, MVB's Chairman of the Board. "While it was a difficult decision, Terryl's selection was unanimous. We believe she is perfectly suited for the job."

 Maui County Council Chairman Dain Kane praised Vencl's selection. "Terryl is truly a community player and an industry leader. The relationships she has fostered over the years will prove invaluable in her new role."

To visit the Maui Visitors Bureau's Travel Agent Newsletter please go to: http://www.hvcb.org/membership/kahewale/0803/MVB_August.

Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards

Congratulations are in order for six Big Island hotels that made Travel + Leisure's Top 25 hotels in Hawaii. For this, and more news from Hawaii's Big Island, take a look at their most recent newsletter. http://www.hvcb.org/membership/kahewale/0803/BIVB_August

OVB Generates Interest in 2004 Travel Planner

For more information about a great advertising opportunity, as well as all the goings on at the Oahu Visitors Bureau, check out their monthly newsletter here. http://www.hvcb.org/membership/kahewale/0803/ovb/0803ovbKahewale.html

2003 Lana'i Island Event - Marketing Advantages

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with representatives from the HVCB and Destination Lana'i.  We will be hosting the 2003 Lana'i Island Event - Marketing Advantages at the Lana'i Senior Center, on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, from 5:30-7:30p.m. (registration and pupus begin at 5:00p.m.). 

You will learn about HVCB's Hawai'i Destination Specialist (travel agent) program, Ke Kula, as well as the new Partner Online Education Series that will assist you in making the most of your presence on the Web.  Waynette Ho-Kwon, director of Destination Lana'i, will also be sharing information about the latest marketing efforts specific to the island of Lana'i. 

The last day to RSVP is Friday, August 8, 2003.  To reserve your seats please e-mail Melissa Archpru at marchpru@hvcb.org.  For questions, please call Destination Lana'i at (808) 565-7600.  We look forward to seeing you on Lana'i!

Here's What Members Have to Say

Aaah, the Views...Bed & Breakfast is set beside a stream with frequent rainbows and a view of Mauna Kea's summit across rolling pastureland. This comfortable, quiet, and affordable accommodation is found in the heart of Hawaii. Located near Kohala Coast's fine beaches and resorts, experience spectacular valleys & waterfalls, stargazing on Mauna Kea, historic Parker Ranch, fine dining and unique shopping. We offer a two-room suite, which can sleep up to six with a private entrance, bath and deck, TV/VCR, phones, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker; a separate garden cottage with kitchen, bath, loft and deck, sleeps up to four and has TV/VCR and phones. There is also a single room with private bath, TV and phone that sleeps two.

For more information please visit our website at: www.beingsintouch.com or contact Mare Grace

at (808) 885-3455

The Black Pearl Gallery is having its annual Tahitian Black Pearl Summer Expo at Aloha Tower Marketplace August 1-10, 2003.  We were very successful at the June 2003 Poe Rava Nui GIE government - sanctioned auction in Tahiti. Our cases are overflowing with new jewelry, strands and loose pearls. I would like to offer all HVCB members and staff to Kama'aina Summer Expo prices on our Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry. So please stop by, you'll be glad you did.

For more information please visit our web site at:

www.e-blackpearl.com or contact Ron Imanaka at (808) 524-5552.

Excellence since 1983

AlohaConnect.com/Sturdivant Consulting presents: Islands of Aloha - International Guide Books

Due to the overwhelming request from our many distributors and readers to expand the information on our website directory in all five language editions we are offering the following:

Starting with the January to June edition we will be adding pages and color to accommodate the international travelers ever-increasing usage of the internet for advanced  travel information.

A choice of five size listings, ranging from the Menehune to the Big Kahuna, which includes a 25-30 word description, phone, fax, e-mail, along with your photo or company logo.

Discounts are available to HVCB members.

For more information please visit our website at:

www.alohaconnect.com or contact Ted Sturdivant at

(808) 955-2378 Ext. 713 or via e-mail at: 

ted@alohaconnect.com

Aloha & Welcome to the HVCB Ohana

Members who have joined in July 2003:

Alluvion, Aloha Hawaiian Vacations, Centex Destination Properties, Cruise Planners of Hawaii, CruiseHawaiian.com, Eileen Mortenson Communications, Kakela, Kealia Resort, Kihei Beach Resort, LoveMyHawaii.com, Mana Massage, Maui Hunting Outfitters, Maui Visitor Magazine, Mike Carroll Gallery, Molokai Beach House, Napali Explorer , Spa Ola Kino *Salon, Valley Isle Guides, Yankee Clipper Travel

Mahalo For Your Continued Support & Participation

Members who have renewed in July 2003:

Member Since 1961-1985

Ala Moana Hotel, Aloha VIP Tours, Inc., Blue SkyTours, Creative Leisure International, DFS Hawaii, A Division of DFS Group, Inc., Hawaii National Bank, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, I.T.S. Group of ExpoExchange, Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc., Kamaka Hawaii, Inc., Kauai Island Tours, Inc., MC&A, Inc., Media Links , Ohana East, OHANA Islander Waikiki, Ohana Maile Sky Court , Ohana Reef Lanai, Ohana Reef Towers, OHANA Royal Islander, Ohana Waikiki Malia, Ohana Waikiki Surf, Ohana Waikiki Surf East, Ohana Waikiki Tower, Ohana Waikiki Village, Ohana Waikiki West, Outrigger at Lae nani, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Pacific Accommodations, Shirokiya Inc., The Compleat Kitchen, The Honolulu Advertiser, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Wailea Marriott, an Outrigger Resort

Member Since 1986-1995

A Dragonfly Ranch:Healing Arts Retreat, Affordable Paradise Bed & Breakfast, Aloha Beauty, Aloha Kauai Tours, Inc., Aloha Resources, Inc., Aston At The Waikiki Banyan, Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas Resort, AV Travel, Inc., Beachfront Kawela Bay Home, Fair Wind, Inc., First Class Weddings Inc., Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Furusato Japanese Restaurant, Great Life Tours, Group 70 International, Inc., Hawaii On Sale!, Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Co., Hilo Hattie - The Store of Hawai`i, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Magical Maui Weddings, Manele Bay Hotel, Maui Potato Chip, Inc., Maui Sunset, Miller Molokai, Notorious Sportsfishing, Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, Ohana Surf, Olsten Staffing Services, Regency Pacific Realty, Rendezvous Tours, Inc., Safari Helicopter Tours, Shane Tegarden Photography, SunQuest Vacations, Twogood Kayaks Hawaii , Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel, United Vacations, Watson Wyatt Worldwide

Member Since 1996-2000

1st Class Bed & Breakfast Kona Hawaii, 444 Nahua Condominium Suites, Above It All, Inc., Access Aloha Travel, Ahuanani Lodge, Alii Hale, Aston Hawaii Polo Inn, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Capricciosa, Captain Andy's Sailing, Inc., Casa De Emdeko, Celebrations From the Heart, Charley's Taxi & Tours, Coral Creek Golf Course, Dolphin's Paradise, DoubleTree Alana Hotel - Waikiki, The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, Golf Hawaii with Mark Rolfing, Hale Mai Tai, Hard Rock Cafe Kona, Hawaii Bound, Hawaiian Walkways, Inc., Heald College, Hotels.com, Ironman Triathlon, Island Marine, Island Partners Hawaii, Inc., Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, Kona Makai, Kona Reef, Koolau Golf Club, Mana Kai Maui Resort, Maui Oceanfront Inn, Maui Vacation Properties, Mr. Honeymoon, Nakea Kauai Vacation Rentals, Nana Enterprises, Nancy's Hideaway, Operadora Polinesia S.A. De C.V., Panda Travel, Inc., Philip Rickard Honolulu, Poipu Plantation Resort, Property Network, Ltd, Rainbow Weddings & Celebrations, Safari Helicopter Tours, Sea Village, Sheraton Maui Hotel, Tanaka of Tokyo East, The Contemporary Museum, Transit Air Cargo, Inc., Tropical Helicopters, W Honolulu Diamond Head, Waikele Golf Club , Wyland Galleries Hawaii, Inc.

Member Since 2001-2002

A Fairy Tale Wedding, Aqua Bamboo, Aston At Poipu Kai, Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel, Chai's Island Bistro, Chapel in the Palms Weddings, David Paul's Lahaina Grill, Hale O Napohaku, Hana Flower Company, Hawaii Calls, Inc., Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, Hawaii Travel News.com, Heli USA Airways, Inc., Hotel Molokai, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, Kamalo Plantation and Moanui Beach House, Keepsakes Wedding Gown Preservation, Kipu Ranch Adventures, Kwilts 'n Koa, L'Uraku Restaurant, Maui Eco Tours, Maui Eco Tours, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Molokai Fish & Dive, Ohana Maui Islander, Outrigger Royal Kahana, Pacifica Island Art, Inc., Queen's Surf Vacation Rentals, Queen's Surf Vacation Rentals, The Dispatch, The Real Hawaii Eco-Cultural Excursions, The Willows, Trinity Properties, Ltd., Vacation Homes of Kauai

Are we missing anyone? If you know someone who might want to be added to our mailing list, please email the information to membership@hvcb.org.

We welcome your suggestions or comments on how to improve this communications vehicle, and if you would like to submit articles for Kahe Wale, please contact Jerry Ishibashi at jishibashi@hvcb.org.