From the Director

Aloha HVCB 'Ohana!

The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau, presented its annual tourism marketing plan for the North America Major Market Area and the Corporate Meetings and Incentives (CMI) market during a series of HTA-sponsored open meetings on four islands (Kaua'i, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island) during the week of November 17.

HTA's other marketing contractors also presented their plans on their respective Major Market Areas (MMA):

• Japan:  Dentsu, Inc.

• Other Asia:  Marketing Garden, Ltd.

• Europe:  The Mangum Group

• Oceania: The Walshe Group

• Hawai'i Convention Center:  SMG

The presentations and contact information for each contractor is available on HTA's website : 

http://www.hawaii.gov

While overall marketing outside of North American and CMI will be handled by these new contractors, our Island Chapters will continue to serve your needs in these markets.  And HVCB will continue to communicate with you, our marketing partners, on upcoming marketing opportunities in all markets along with appropriate contact information for each program or event.   HVCB remains committed to doing what's best for Hawai'i and for our marketing partners.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Mele Kalikimaka e Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Gina Salvador

HVCB, Director Membership

Inside this Month's Issue

		HVCB Announces Launch of Market Trends Online

HVCB's Asia Marketing Efforts Conclude Successfully

HVCB staged the final three Hawai'i promotions in Asia in November:   the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF), "Aloha Taiwan" and the China International Travel Mart (CITM).  The events conclude HVCB's successful promotion of Hawai'i as a premier vacation destination in the international market. 

HVCB promotes Hawai'i's Culture and Tourism in Europe

The HVCB joined OVB on the "Aloha Germany" Promotion and sponsored a tradeshow exhibit at World Travel Market (WTM) in London

HTA & HVCB Call for Entries For The 13th Annual "Keep It Hawai'i Awards" 

Island Chapters Update

Check out the latest news from the O'ahu Visitors Bureau, Big Island Visitors Bureau, Kaua'i Visitors Bureau, & Maui Visitor's Bureau!

E-Membership Minute

Optimizing Your Search Engine Position is all About Having Lots of Links to Your Site.  Who is linking to your site?

Here's What Members Have to Say

Aloha & Welcome to the HVCB Ohana

Mahalo For Your Continued Support & Participation

HVCB Announces Launch of Market Trends Online

HVCB has established Market Trends Online to provide the industry with the latest in HVCB market research and analysis.

This new informational website will be updated regularly with special presentations, updated research reports, weekly passenger volume charts, air seat capacity figures, and other information affecting Hawai'i's visitor industry.

To access Market Trends Online, visit: http://www.gohawaii.com/exec/109925

For more information please call HVCB Market Trends at (808) 923-1811

HVCB's International Marketing Efforts Conclude Successfully in Asia

A large crowd gathers to watch Miss Hawai'i 2003 Kanoelani Gibson and hula dancer Lyanna Tumaneng at the Taipei International Travel Fair in Taipei

The HVCB led a marketing team for two weeks in Taiwan, starting November 15, launching the Hawai'i promotion with an impressive exhibit at the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF).  ITF is one of Taiwan's largest and most significant annual tourism events and attracted more than 90,000 travel trade and consumer attendees.  Seven entertainers from Hawai'i were highlighted throughout the four-day event, including Miss Hawai'i 2003 Kanoelani Gibson, who recently finished as first runner-up in the 2003 Miss America pageant.  The HVCB was joined by the Polynesian Cultural Center and Taiwan-based travel agency, Pop Tour, to exhibit at the tradeshow.

The day after ITF, HVCB's marketing team initiated two city promotions, "Aloha Taipei" (November 19-23) and "Aloha Hsinchu" (November 25-29).  Guests and visitors experienced performances of Hawaiian music and hula throughout the day and enjoyed a daily lunch and dinner buffet of island favorites prepared by Chef Glenn Chu of Indigo Eurasian Cuisine in Honolulu.  In the spirit of Aloha, the HVCB also hosted charity events in each city, bringing the warmth of Hawai'i into the lives of some special children through musical entertainment and goodwill.

The HVCB's last international Hawai'i promotion was at Asia's largest professional travel show-the 2003 China International Travel Mart (CITM), November 20-23, at the Kunming International Trade Center in Kunming, China.  Earning the "Best Booth Design" award for the fourth year in a row, the HVCB again proved to be successful in the promotion of the islands at CITM.  Joining the HVCB as tradeshow participants were Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Cultural Center, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, and Galaxy Tour, Inc.

For more information, please contact Daniel Chun, Event Coordinator at (808) 924-0251 or dchun@hvcb.org.

HVCB promotes Hawai'i's Culture and Tourism in Europe

The HVCB held a week of promotions in the United Kingdom and Germany, Hawai'i's two largest markets in Europe, to showcase the music and culture of the islands. The first event, "Aloha Germany" held November 7-11 in collaboration with the OVB, was designed to draw consumers and national media coverage by having six Hawai'i-based entertainers perform at four high-profile events in Frankfurt and Hamburg. These events included the Karstadt Department Store, Thomas Cook catalog launch, Trader Vic's Restaurant and the Kaifu Lodge Sports Club.

While "Aloha Germany" was underway, the HVCB sponsored a tradeshow exhibit at the 24th annual World Travel Market (WTM), November 10-13, at London's state-of-the-art ExCeL exhibition facility in the historic Docklands area. As the United Kingdom's largest and most prominent travel trade event, WTM drew 5,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries, 45,000 trade visitors, and more than 2,500 media. The HVCB staged a Hawai'i-themed booth display and was joined by Connoisseur Hawai'i, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton Hawai'i, Kapalua Villas Maui, Sun Islands Hawai'i, Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and the OVB.

For more information, please contact Daniel Chun, Event Coordinator at (808) 924-0251 or dchun@hvcb.org.

 

HTA & HVCB Call for Entries For The 13th Annual "Keep It Hawai'i Awards"

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) have issued a call for entries fore the 13th Annual "Keep It Hawai'i" Awards program. Individuals, organizations, and companies from all islands are encouraged to submit entries. The entry form and judging criteria are available on-line at www.gohawaii.com/keepithawaii.

The entry deadline is set for Friday, January 30, 2004. Entries can be delivered Monday through Friday between 8am to 4pm, to The Schiller Agency, at 233 Merchant Street, Suite 200, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813. Mailed entries need to be postmarked no later than January 30, 2004.

For more information please contact The Schiller Agency, at (808) 539-5720 or via e-mail at mds@tsg-hawaii.com.
 

From The O'ahu Visitors Bureau 'Ohana

The O'ahu Visitors Bureau looks to Roberta Rinker - Ludloff to lead the team through 2004

The OVB ended November on a high note with the completion of their Annual Luncheon held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Guests were treated to a surprise presentation featuring O'ahu's rich past, over 75 years ago. The year in review presentation brought everyone back to the present with highlights of the best moments of 2003 and speeches, given by members of the OVB team including Les Enderton, OVB's Executive Director, focused on the global marketing efforts that OVB will target in 2004.

An inscribed Koa paddle was presented to Joni Paahao, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Reservations for Aston Hotels & Resorts as she passed on the duties of Chair of OVB's Executive Committee to Roberta Rinker-Ludloff, Regional Vice President of Marketing for Hilton Resorts Hawaii who will serve as 2004 Chair of the OVB Executive Committee.

For more information on OVB programs or promotions please call (808) 524-0722 or visit the OVB website at http://www.visit-oahu.com

Visit the O'ahu Visitors Bureau's Monthly Membership Newsletter at: http://www.hvcb.org/membership/kahewale/1203/ovb_december/kw_oahu_1203.html

Happy Holidays!

From The Big Island Visitors Bureau 'Ohana

The Big Island Visitor's Bureau Recaps 2003 & Previews Future Plans for the Upcoming Year

As the year winds down, planning and preparing for 2004 escalates. The 2004 media plan has been completed and submitted to the HTA. BIVB's emphasis is on the top 10 States plus Bridal/Romance. Many co-op opportunities for budgets large and small are available, please see BIVB's current newsletter for more details or call (808) 961-5797.
 

For more information on BIVB please visit: www.bigisland.org

Visit the Big Island Visitor Bureau's Monthly Membership Newsletter at: http://www.hvcb.org/membership/kahewale/1203/bivb_december/BIVB_News1203.pdf

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

From The Kaua'i Visitors Bureau 'Ohana

The Kaua'i Visitors Bureau Announces Launch of New Japanese Website

The KVB Japanese website will be live on 12/31/03.  Please go to http://jp.kauaidiscovery.com to check it out.  Mahalo to PacRim Marketing for a great job!

Congratulations to the Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club for ranking #1 for "Best Golf Resort" by the readers of Travel & Leisure Golf, September/October 2003 issue!  Also, congratulations to Princeville Resort who also received #1 for "Best Resort for Course Conditions, Golf-Staff, Attitude, & Pace of Play"! 

KVB's Summer 2003 Exit Survey results will be available at Ink Spot Printers, please call (808) 246-0147 after December 11th.

For more information on KVB programs or promotions please call (808) 245-3971 or visit the KVB website at http://www.kauaivisitorsbureau.org

 

From The Maui Visitors Bureau 'Ohana

U.S. Tour Operator Association Delegates Will Receive Warm Welcome in Maui

The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau and Maui Visitors Bureau welcome the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) this week in Maui. USTOA is a professional association representing the tour operator industry. They are composed of companies whose tours and packages encompass the entire globe and who conduct business in the U.S. This week 750-1,000 USTOA members will be visiting Maui for the USTOA Annual Conference.

Keiki's from The Napili Kai Foundation will greet USTOA Delegates with leis upon their arrival. In addition, the Keiki's will provide entertainment at the USTOA reception being held at the Ritz~Carlton Kapalua on Tuesday, December 9.

For more than 25 years, the Napili Kai Foundation has worked to preserve Hawaiian culture by passing it along to the children of Maui. Originally begun for the children of Napili Kai Beach Club employees, the Foundation has grown in scope and purpose, today reaching youngsters from Napili to Lahaina. This non-profit organization introduces children to the dances, language, history, and arts and crafts of Polynesia. Children 6-18 years of age take part in a variety of activities and excursions. The Foundation also supports the Jack Millar Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to Foundation graduates seeking self-improvement through education after high school.

Jake Shimabukuro is also scheduled to perform for the delegates. His unique style of playing the ukulele will certainly get everyone's attention.

For more information on this event please contact Gail Harding at (808) 923-1811 or visit USTOA online at www.ustoa.com

Visit the Maui Visitor Bureau's Monthly Membership Newsletter at:  http://search.gohawaii/com/kw/1203/MVB_December/MVB_News1203.pdf  

E-Membership Minute

Last month's POES issue of how to optimize your search engine performance was a big hit and I thank everyone for the great feedback. 

As we covered in that issue, one of the best ways to get the highest ranking on Google is to maximize the number of links to your site.  And that point raised the all-important question, "How can we find out how many sites are linking to us?"

Good question. Here's all you need to do: If you want to find out how many sites link to www.yourcompany.com, just go to Google and enter the following in the search box:  "link:www.yourcompany.com".   Google will then list out all the sites that link to that URL.  Just replace "www.yourcompany.com" with your company's Web site address and you'll know who links to you.  

 By organizing a concerted effort on increasing the number of links to your site, you will have a dramatic effect on how Google will rank your site. Using the "links:www.yourcompany.com" feature of Google is a great way to quickly measure those all-precious links.

Did you miss out on last month's popular issue? Just go to http://search.gohawaii.com/kw/poes/

 and learn how to crank up your search engine performance!

Let us know what you think!

Peter Kay on behalf of the Hawai'i Visitors
and Convention Bureau

poes@cybercominc.com

Here's What Members Have to Say

Spa Olakino * Salon Opens at Waikiki
Beach Marriott Resort

The 6,000 sq. ft. luxury spa features faux lava rock, petroglyphs, water features and marble, with a wall of windows overlooking Waikiki Beach. Spa Olakino has six massage rooms and two wet and dry treatment rooms, one of which is the couple's room with a Japanese furo. 

In keeping with the Hawaiian concept of olakino (general wellness) fresh Hawaiian plants and fruits are incorporated into spa treatments.  Hawai'i papaya, Kona coffee beans, aloe vera, and more are available to mix and apply for body scrubs, masks or skin treatments.

Experience the unique Hawai'i spa treatments and setting at Spa Olakino * Salon today!

Kama'aina rates available.

For more information please call (808) 924-2121, via e-mail at Olakinowaikiki@aol.com or visit us online at: www.paulbrownhawaii.com

 

The Great Ohana Hunt is a small business that is new to Waikiki. It takes the basic concept and fun of a scavenger hunt and combines it with historical facts and trivia relevant to Waikiki and the State of Hawaii. Participants are armed with clues, riddles and a map of Waikiki. The object is to collect the most points in the allotted time given. Any non-perishable food items collected for points will be donated to The Hawaii Food Bank. Prizes will be awarded.

A minimum of 12 people is required to operate any adventure.  The Great Ohana Hunt is offering a 10% discount to HVCB members.

For more information please call (808) 398-6444, via e-mail at monroet@thegreatohanahunt.com or visit us online at: www.thegreatohanahunt.com

 

The Maui Wellness Institute, under the direction of Dr. Jim Polakof, designs customized wellness programs for companies and organizations that travel to the Hawaiian islands to hold their meetings. 

Our stimulating and informative agendas offer dynamic presentations and interactive workshops including nutrition, fitness, stress management, cardiovascular health, guided imagery, yoga, T'ai Chi, Feng Shui and our nationally acclaimed Omni-Rejuvenation therapy to reduce stress and relieve pain, which combines Reiki, Aromatherapy, Chakra Balancing and Music Therapy.

For more information please call (808) 891-1131, via e-mail

HMAPRO@aol.com or visit us online at: www.mauiwell.com

Aloha & Welcome to the HVCB 'Ohana

Members who have joined in November 2003:

"Blue Hawaii, The Show", Captains' Retreat, Edward A.Gencarelli, Graham Hawaii, Hale Ko'olau, LLC, Hale Malu Guesthouse, Hawaii Kai Corporation, Heart of Lana'i Art Gallery, Highlight's Beauty Salon & Supplies, Island Candle Company, Kaua'i Children's Discovery Museum, MarriageInHawaii.com, Pacific Soundz Productions, Sunsets Maui, SunStyle Holidays, Wailua Hideaway, Yoga Hawaii
 

Mahalo For Your Continued Support & Participation

Members who have renewed in November 2003:

Member Since1961-1992

!!!Above Heaven's Gate Waterfall & BeachWeddings!!!, Aloha Wedding Planners, Inc., Bank Of Hawaii, Inc., Condominium Rentals Hawaii, Destination Resorts Hawai'i, Inc., Diamond Resort Hawaii, Dolphin Bay Hotel, Fun Sun Vacations Ltd., Gaylord's At Kilohana, Hale Kipa Golf Course Home, Hawaii Beachfront Vacation Homes, Hawaiian Vacations, Inc., Hawaii's Plantation Village, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, Island Weddings & Blessings, Joseph D. Pluta, Realtor-Broker, Kelly Services, Kokee Lodge, Los Angeles Times, Mama's Fish House, Maui Divers Of Hawaii, Ltd., Mauian Hotel, Maui-Molokai Sea Cruises, NaHoku Hawaii's Finest Jewlers Since 1924, Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki, Paradise Cove Luau, Paradise Weddings Hawaii, Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, RMR,Inc, RobertR.Midkiff, Consultant, Royal Lahaina Resort, Security Armored Car & Courier, T.S. Restaurants, The Bungalows, The Fairmont KeaLani Maui, The Lodge at Koele, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, The Travelmart, Inc., Travel Graphics International, Volcano House, Waikiki Parc Hotel, Y.Fukunaga  Products,Ltd.

Member Since1993-1999

1 Adventure on Maui, Action Sport fishing on Start Me Up, Affordable Hawaii at Pomaika'I (Lucky) Farm B&B, Aloha-Hawaii.com, Alohawaii Properties By The Sea, Aluli Public Relations, Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel, Catamaran Kahanu Classic Aloha Vacations Destination Seminars, Ewa Hotel Waikiki, Flowers Forever, Friendly Charters Hana Maui Vacation Rentals. Hawaii Condo Exchange, Hawaiian Walkways, Inc., Hulihee Palace, Imperial of Waikiki, The Indigo Eurasian Cuisine Restaurant, Kaneshiro Hog Farm, Kauai Condos-Poipu Kai, Kauai Sands Hotel, Kawailoa Development, Kilohana, Koa Trading Company, Kona Seaside Hotel, Kupa'a-Pacific Island Resources, Media-Hi, Inc., Oceanfront Realty International, Paradise Resorts,Inc., Poipu Beach Resort Association, ProsserRealty, Inc.,Queen Emma Summer Palace, Remedy Intelligent Staffing Richard N. West, Volcano Places, Volume Services America, Wai Ola Vacation Paradise, Waikiki Gateway Hotel, Whalers Village

Member Since 2000-2002

1-800-Molokai, A Paradise Dream Wedding, AA Oceanfront Condo Rentals, Abhasa Waikiki Spa, Alternative-Hawaii, Bates/Lee Advertising, Big Island Retreat, Blossoms Hawaii, Chrissy Lambert Rhodes Photography, Dave and Busters, Dreams Come True on Maui, East Hawaii Cultural Council, Emerald View Guesthouse, Hale Aloha, Hale Kai Oceanfront Condominiums, Hale Luana Bed & Breakfast, Hale O Napohaku, Halele'a at Pu'u Poa - The House of Happiness, Hawaii Travel Bureau, Hawaiian Fire Surf School, HMV Tours, Ho'okipa Bayview Cottage, Hospitality Advisors LLC, Hotel Hana Maui, Ivy's Place, Kamehameha Investment Corporation, Kaua'i Backcountry Adventures, Kauai Gift Baskets, Ken Johnston, Kona Brewing Company, Libra Resort Properties, Inc., Luau Kilohana, Maui Dream Vacations, Maui Play Care, Moloka'i Dreams - 1181 Condo, Molokai Hilltop Cottage, Molokai Memories, Molokai Plumerias, Inc , Ocean Breeze Hideaway, Pono Kai Resort, Premier Destinations Hawaii ,Radisson Kauai Beach Resort , ResortQuest Kaua'i ,Ruth's Chris Steak House, Schiller Agency LLC, The South Maui Condo Owners Rental Network, Speakers of Hawaii, Team Vision, LLC, Tropic Travels Warren & Annabelle's

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.