WHAT’S NEW ON O‘AHU AND WITHIN THE INDUSTRY
80th Anniversary Commemorating the end of WWII on O‘ahu
The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau recently met with the NPS Superintendent of Pearl Harbor National Memorial to discuss updates, opportunities, and shared objectives. A key focus was the 80th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty that officially ended WWII, which took place aboard the USS Missouri (Battleship Missouri Memorial).
As we approach this historic milestone, preserving and honoring Pearl Harbor’s legacy remains essential. A series of community events will take place around Memorial Day and in August, including special commemorations aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. These events provide a meaningful opportunity for reflection and to remind visitors that this pivotal moment in world history lives on O‘ahu.
We encourage everyone to take part in honoring and supporting this important chapter of our history and promote this event.
Get Involved and Engage with our Future Tourism Leaders
Connecting with the prospective next generation of tourism professionals is essential for the industry's future. Through ClimbHI Bridge, OVB recently participated in Career Day events at Waipahu Elementary and Waimānalo Elementary & Intermediate. Students engaged in a hands-on activity, creating collage-style social media posts to showcase tourism's positive impact on our community and their ideas on how to promote O‘ahu authentically. This interactive experience encouraged students (and teachers) to think critically about tourism’s role in supporting the local economy and communities while also emphasizing the responsibility behind marketing and messaging O‘ahu—or any destination—mindfully and respectfully.
OVB is excited to continue supporting initiatives like this and invites visitor industry members to help shape the future workforce. Together, we can equip students interested in the industry with the tools and knowledge to succeed in this dynamic field. If you're interested, contact ClimbHI to learn more.
Next month, HVCB will attend ClimbHI's LEI program. If interested reach out to them today and support the next generation of our industry.
IPW 2025, Chicago
International markets play a vital role in O‘ahu's tourism industry. While some are still recovering from pre-COVID levels, many HTA targeted markets are eager to return and show positive signs. If international visitors are important to your current or future business plan, consider attending U.S. Travel’s IPW—the largest international travel trade and media show in the U.S.—held in Chicago from June 15-18, 2025. IF you have questions on the event, contact Noelani at nschlling-wheeler@hvcb.org.
OVB Email Address Change
Our email addresses have changed. Moving forward please update your contact database and use the following:
- Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, Executive Director: nschilling-wheeler@hvcb.org
- Karishma Chowfin, Director of Sales: kchowfin@hvcb.org
- Catherine Orlans, Marketing Manager: corlans@hvcb.org
- Leilani Robertson, Administrative Assistant: lrobertson@hvcb.org
Quick Glance: Upcoming Events – OVB Participation
- Travel Agent Forum: Las Vegas, NV | Mar 30 - Apr 2
- Travel Weekly Leadership Forum | April 15
- HTJapan: Japan Summit IC Destination Presentations (Ad hoc FAM) | April 18
- HTOceania: Month of Lei | May 1-8
- IPW 2025, Chicago | June 15-18
TRAVEL TRADE & SALES
Multi-Island Collaboration, Multi-Island FAM
Island Visitors Bureau Multi-Island FAM: March 16-22 (O‘ahu, Kauai)
OVB recently partnered with Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV) to host a successful Multi-Island FAM program. From March 16-22, five travel advisors and one group escort explored O‘ahu and Kauai, engaging in a comprehensive itinerary designed to immerse them in the destinations. Highlights included a welcome reception, detailed destination training seminars, and hands-on experience with local offerings. ALGV played a key role in pre-qualifying top-selling applicants.
U.S. Travel Trade Partner Support
Delta Airlines – Atlas Travel Ad Hoc FAM: March 29 – April 1
OVB collaborated and is providing support to ensure a seamless, educational and memorable experience by offering tailored recommendations for attractions and experiences to enhance their itinerary. Our goal is to always create a well-rounded and immersive visit for the group with the objective of facilitating prospective bookings. (Final passenger count to be confirmed.)
HTUSA U.S. West Leisure Educational Blitz (April; see HTUSA Travel Trade section)
For the April U.S. market travel trade blitz, OVB shared the latest O‘ahu updates for HTUSA’s presentations. If you have new experiential offerings to feature, let OVB know—for this event and any future travel trade activities.
Working to Bring Back the Japanese Visitor
HTJ's Japan Summit: April 18
HTJapan (HTJ) successful annual events that bring travel trade executive, decision makers and media to Hawai‘i for critical exchange of ideas, collaboration and education on the Hawaiian Islands will be held on April 18. OVB will be attending and supporting HTJ's efforts to increase business from Japan.
Hawai‘i-Based Japanese Wholesaler Meetings: March 20
In March, HTJ, OVB, IHVB & HTA met with executives of Hawai‘i-based Japanese wholesalers (travel agencies) to thank them for their continued commitment to the Hawaiian Islands, to learn about challenges and needs they have for product development and to provide updates from HTA, O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island.
OVB Support of the Land Down Under
Hawaiian Airlines Flight Centre Incentive FAM
HTOceania (HTO), in collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines, is organizing a Hawaiian Airlines Flight Centre Incentive FAM to O‘ahu in mid-April. OVB will support HTO. This FAM aims to educate travel advisors on O‘ahu’s diverse experiences, provide insights into Hawai‘i’s regenerative tourism efforts, and offer firsthand exposure to O‘ahu.
HTO/IVB Month of Lei: May 1-9, 2025
OVB will head Down Under with the other Island Visitor Bureaus in May, attending HTO’s Month of Lei, their destination education trade and media. Training , meetings and educational opportunities will be held in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney (Northern Beaches and Parramatta and Canberra. In preparation for the event, members are invited to submit updates to kchowfin@hvcb.org.
MARKETING, MESSAGING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Consumer eNews: April Theme around Buy Local
OVB is preparing the April edition of our consumer eNews that is sent to our vetted consumer subscriber database and will be highlighting our buy local, support local initiatives on O‘ahu! This month’s theme focuses on Island Makers, Designers, and Artisans, and we’d love to feature your content.
If you have products, events, or stories that showcase O‘ahu’s creative community, now is the time to share! Send your updates to Catherine Orlans (corlans@hvcb.org).
OVB Media e-Communications
OVB’s PR team at FINN/Anthology has issued a call for submissions for OVB’s Q2 Quarterly Media Updates that are sent to vetted media and to the GMTs. Members are encouraged to submit 50-100 words, along with an image and company link, for consideration. Please send submissions to anna.piergallini@finnpartners.com and corlans@hvcb.org.
Additionally, OVB’s bi-annual Regenerative Tourism on O‘ahu Updates was released to media on March 21 and will be repurposed for future sales and marketing initiatives.
OVB Social Media Collaborations
Looking to expand your reach and connect with a broader audience? Consider collaborating with OVB on a strategic social media post! This partnership allows you to tap into our follower base while showcasing your brand to a wider network, and in turn, we can highlight the destination to your audience. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to boost your visibility and engage with potential customers. Contact Catherine Orlans at corlans@hvcb.org today!
Upcoming Media Visits and Prospective Exposure
OVB continues to vet and work on media visits and to support HTA GMT media FAMs and visits that will translate to appropriate O‘ahu messaging and stories.
In March, OVB hosted U.S. visiting media Ronny Maye (Fodor's) with a focus on multigenerational family travel.
Upcoming U.S. media visits supported by OVB:
- Jennifer Bain (National Park Traveler), May
- Emily Caldwell (The Manual), May
GMT’s International media visit OVB scheduled to support:
- Freundin magazine (May)
- HTE’s collaboration with Brand USA plans to bring top European media to O‘ahu & Maui at the end of May.
- HTE’s supporting Nina Zeller & Mike Badstübner (freelance)
- OVB is collaborating with HTO to bring a Melbourne based media on a media FAM on the inaugural Qantas flight in May. Reach out to Catherine Orlans (corlans@hvcb.org if you're interested in the Oceania market and interested in supporting this initiative.
