Special promotions from Hawaii await Vancouver agents

The Pacific Northwest Ohana hosted almost 100 travel agents at the Hilton Metrotown in Burnaby on Tuesday night, for an evening of info sharing and conversations at the 11th annual Coco Nuts and Bolts Bash.

The Pacific Northwest Hawaii Ohana is a family of approximately 70 suppliers and vendors that promote the sale of Hawaii.

READ MORE: Destination wedding specialists explore Oahu's North Shore

Hawaii is big business

“Canadians love Hawaii,” said Steve Spurlock, president of the Pacific Northwest Hawaii Ohana. “That’s why we come up here, we’re supporting our Canadian friends.”

Asked for three selling tips for travel agents selling Hawaii to their clients, Spurlock suggested:

“Get a “BIT” of information: their budget, their itinerary, and time frame. That way they qualify the client and get to know what they’re looking for.”

He also urged agents to ask their clients questions, suggesting they “start out high and come down if you need to” and, finally, to promote Hawaii.

Despite recent volcanic eruptions, there are many other islands and experiences for clients to enjoy.

On the trade show floor

Hawaii Visitors Bureau

The Hawaii Visitors Bureau encourages agents to enroll in the Official Hawaii Destination Specialist Program. There are two levels to the free, self-guided program: Hawaii Destination Specialist and Individual Island Specialist.

Benefits include consumer referrals, specialist-only webinars, continuing education credits from The Travel Institute, one-year subscription to HAWAII magazine and access to the ePostcard Marketing Tool.

Honua Kai Resort and Spa

Honua Kai Resort and Spa is developing the Luana Garden Villa area, with the construction view affecting the mountain view rooms and some resort view suites.

Construction only is happening from 9AMto 5PM, Monday to Saturday. The resort has "construction or hard hat" rates, that offer a way to have some guests enjoy Honua Kai, that would not normally have the budget for a luxury condo property.

Agents get a booking bonus for selling the three-bedroom and Royal Collection suites for most of the remainder of the year.

TravelBrands

TravelBrands is offering 15-per cent commission on packages for reservations made on TravelGenie through June 30.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a 10 per cent savings for reservations made at least 10 days in advance, a free upgrade to a three-day pass when a full-day package is booked, and free dinner with admission and evening show ticket.

Goway

Goway is offering a seven-day cruise aboard NCL’s Pride of America, around the Hawaiian Islands starting at $3299.00 per person, excluding air. The package includes two nights’ accommodation in Honolulu, airport transfers, all meals onboard the Pride of America and onboard, daily gratuities.

Castle resorts & Hotels

Castle Resorts & Hotels has completed and extensive renovation and rebranding of the Mokihana Resort on Kauai. The ISO (Island. Sky. Ocean) is a boutique hotel on the island’s east shore, and guest room rates include a complimentary continental breakfast.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel

The Sunny Side Up package at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel includes four nights stay in an ocean view room, daily compact rental car; two souvenir beach towels and choice to two days snorkel gear or lunge and umbrella set for travel through March 31, 2019.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is offering savings of up to 35 per cent to mark its reef conservation initiative, OZONE’s celebration of World Oceans Month. Use promotion code OZONE18.

Get more information on the destination of Hawaii.