2024 Partnerships
Ho‘omoe wai kāhi ke kāo‘o
Let’s all travel together like water flowing in one direction
‘Ōlelo No‘eau 1102
Aloha HVCB Members, HVCB's success is built on the strength of collaboration, and we are proud to feature highlights of our 2024 partners who played a vital role in shaping a year of innovation, connection, and impact. Through member support and dedication at tradeshows, sales missions, networking events, press trips, FAMs, educational blitzes, and market activations, we created new opportunities, strengthened our community, and laid the foundation for future success for the tourism industry. We hope you enjoy this retrospective of just a few of the exciting partner opportunities available to you. A link to the 2025 partnership opportunities document is included in this collection.
Me ka mahalo nui, the HVCB ‘Ohana
Our 2024 HVCB Annual Membership Meeting at the Sheraton Waikiki was a wonderful evening of creating connections and building partnerships among industry professionals. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to deepen their relationships with HVCB and fellow members at our in-person Member Hō‘ike. The gathering was a testament to the power of partnership, as we collectively worked towards strengthening our community ties.
Event Partners:
2024 Annual Meeting
Member Hō‘ike Sponsors:
Aloha Market
The HVCB PR Team partnered with Mana Up to coordinate the Aloha Market, a highlight of the LA Activation held in the bustling heart of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The pop-up showcased 57 Hawai‘i brands and featured 31 engaging activations, ranging from workshops and demos to interactive panels. Exclusive VIP receptions created buzz among media, influencers, travel advisors, and MCI clients, contributing to the event's impressive attendance of over 9,000 guests.
Partners:
Throughout the year, HVCB implements diverse tactical, statewide cooperative marketing programs that strategically build upon and align with the statewide Hawai‘i Brand campaign, maximizing impact and reach.
Cooperative Marketing
2024 Partners:
HVCB, in partnership with Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador, came together to mālama ‘āina and cultivate networks that foster community and industry growth. We began the evening with an hour at King Kalākaua Park, where we cleaned up the area, checked on the plants, and connected with our neighbors. Following the park clean-up, we wrapped up the evening with networking and fun at Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador.
Experience Romer with HVCB
Sponsor:
Member Attendee Companies:
The E-xpressly for Travel Professionals (EXTP) e-newsletter is published by HVCB and sent monthly to over 75,000 travel professionals in the U.S., including our 18,000+ Hawai‘i Destination Specialist certified travel prosfessionals.
The goal of this monthly e-newsletter is to educate travel sellers and other travel professionals in the United States of current Hawai‘i promotions, specials, and travel trends, and to improve their knowledge of and sales to the Hawaiian Islands.
Advertisers:
Hawai‘i Tourism China Travel Mission
O‘ahu Visitors Bureau and Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau attended HTC’s Travel Mission events at ITB Shanghai and travel trade and media events in Shanghai and Beijing to support HTC’s sales efforts and relationships, to provide destination specific knowledge and education, to ensure that island messaging and position on destination management was shared, and to meet and kōkua HTC’s clients with island expertise.
Partners:
Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, and Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau supported Hawai‘i Tourism Japan’s efforts by bringing destination specific knowledge, updates, and regenerative tourism pivot for each island to clients, including travel trade, media and consumers. Events included a media event, VIP Trade Reception, and participation at JATA Expo. Additionally, OVB is collaborating with HTJ on a reunion dinner for media who attended the HTJ Mega Media FAM on O‘ahu this past Spring.
Partners:
Hawai‘i Tourism Japan
Sales Mission
Hawai‘i Tourism Korea Travel Mission
Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau actively engaged in the Travel Mission in Korea by participating in key events—including the MCI Travel Mart, Hawai‘i Destination Seminar, and Aloha VIP Luncheon—where they delivered multiple presentations and conducted appointment-style meetings with influential travel agents and trade partners. Their involvement not only showcased Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage through live hula and song performances by cultural practitioners but also fostered significant networking opportunities with Korea’s leading travel industry stakeholders.
Partners:
The HVCB PR Team orchestrated a Maui activation at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience to encourage potential travelers from Sonoma and the Bay Area to return to Maui. More than 15 ambassadors – chefs, makers, cultural practitioners – traveled to Healdsburg to share all that Maui has to offer and make the invitation clear: Respectful, compassionate travel is welcomed, now more than ever.
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
Partners:
The Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau coordinated the Holoholo Maui Nui 2024 event designed to educate Travel Advisors on the beautiful Islands of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. On state presentation partners included MVCB member hotels and activities.
Partners:
Holoholo Maui
IPW 2024, Los Angeles
HVCB’s Island Chapters take center stage in the Hawai‘i Lane at this appointment-based travel trade business event hosted by the U.S. Travel Association. Represented by HVCB, HTA and Hawai‘i industry partners, the team works to showcase the Islands’ unique offerings while collaborating with global travel professionals and media. This event promotes the United States as a premier global travel destination, helping U.S. travel exhibitors, including Hawai‘i, connect and build business relationships with international travel buyers and media.
Partners:
IMEX America
Meet Hawai‘i led an impressive delegation at IMEX America 2024, the premier trade show for the meetings, conventions, and incentives markets in the U.S. The event in Las Vegas featured the largest-ever Hawai‘i representation, with 38 podiums accommodating a dynamic team of 30 industry partners, four Island Chapters, and four Meet Hawai‘i representatives.
Partners:
Islands of Aloha Express
The Islands of Aloha Express (IOAX) is a monthly e-mail newsletter published by HVCB and sent to nearly 180,000 optin leisure consumers each month. The e-newsletter is filled with things to do and see when visiting all of the islands, usually within a set theme for the month. Subscribers are gained via prominent real estate throughout the gohawaii.com site, and cooperative marketing campaigns.
Advertisers:
Island of Hawai‘i and Maui FAM
HVCB hosted 10 travel advisors for a multi-island FAM to Island of Hawai‘i and Maui from May 5-11. Attendees were vetted by Travel Weekly and representing consortia partners from across the country. The itinerary featured a variety of activities, site inspections, partner meetings, and destination and cultural training.
Partners:
In 2024, KamaainaSpecialOffers.com was revitalized to feature over 100 high-quality offers from HVCB members. These special deals encourage kama‘āina to explore, rejuvenate, and reconnect with our Hawai‘i. The site showcases offers across all islands, encompassing accommodations, activities, dining, shopping, and transportation.
Kama‘ ā ina Offers
Premium Partners:
Kaua‘i and Maui FAM
HVCB hosted a multi-island FAM to Kaua‘i and Maui from March 17-23 with 10 advisors from across the U.S. The attendees were vetted by Travel Weekly with representatives from Travel Leaders, Travel Savers, and the Affluent Traveler Collection. The itinerary featured three nights on Kaua‘i and three nights in West Maui and included a variety of activities, site inspections, partner meetings, and in-depth destination and cultural training. Partners:
Meeting Planner Guide
Published by HVCB, the Official Hawai‘i Meeting Planner Guide (MPG) is an essential resource for planning a successful event in the Hawaiian Islands. Designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, this interactive, digital guide helps planners get to know our islands from any device, complete with direct links to resources and tools. The MPG helps planners and buyers design successful events, meetings and conventions in Hawai‘i — ultimately creating productive, authentic experiences for attendees.
Advertisers:
Other advertisers: Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Botanical World Adventures, Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Fair Wind Cruises, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Holo Holo Charters, Ka‘anapali Golf Courses, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Majestic by Atlantis Cruises, MC&A, Ocean Course Hōkūala, Polynesian Adventure Tours, Prince Waikiki, Royal Sonesta Kauai, The Umauma Experience, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Member
on Hawai ‘ i Island
HVCB’s first-ever member holiday event on Hawai‘i Island was a fantastic evening of networking, fun, and meaningful connections with over 70 industry professionals. The event was filled with holiday cheer, as HVCB members mingled, exchanged business cards, and forged valuable connections with industry partners. It was a night to remember, filled with laughter, collaboration, and the spirit of aloha.
Sponsors:
Partners and Donations:
The Member Hō‘ike provides a platform for HVCB members to showcase what is new and exciting in their business. The goal is to familiarize HVCB and our membership ‘ohana with members' products and services and provide updates on new offerings. Since its inception in 2021, past participants have shared their success in creating valuable partnerships after connecting through this initiative.
2024 Presenters:
HVCB is excited to team up with the Genki Ala Wai Project to offer a series of huaka‘i (excursions) dedicated to mālama our ahupua‘a. These gatherings represent a collective endeavor to breathe life back into the canal, fostering a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem and are a fantastic opportunity to connect, contribute, and make a tangible difference together.
Supporting Partners:
Member Huaka‘i with Genki Ala Wai Project
With the support of members, The HVCB PR Team coordinated three national broadcast opportunities: NBC’s travel show, “First Look,” Entertainment Tonight’s “Hawai‘i Week” and Tastemade’s most popular streaming show, “From Scratch.” These national shows aim to inspire travel to Maui by highlighting exciting activities, eats and destinations around the island.
Partners:
Not-So -Silent Night
We gathered for a not-so-silent night of networking, holiday cheer, and fun at the International Market Place! Building on the success of our previous networking pau hana events, this gathering did not disappoint. Members of HVCB mingled, exchanged business cards, and forged valuable connections with industry partners in a festive and lively atmosphere.
Sponsors:
Partners and Donations:
Official Visitors’ Guide
Published by HVCB, the Hawai‘i Statewide Official Visitors’ Guide is the go-to resource for planning and learning everything visitors need to know about traveling to Hawai‘i. The all-digital program features current information on every island, is responsive to market consumption demands and provides great value to HVCB Members.
Advertisers:
Other advertisers: ‘Imiloa Center, Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, Bishop Museum, Discount Hawaii Car Rental, Fair Wind Cruises, Halepuna Waikiki, Honolulu Cookie Company, Kauai Shores Hotel, Ko‘a Kea Resort, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Montage Kapalua Bay, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Polynesian Cultural Center, Private Paradise Villas, Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei, Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, Royal Kona Resort, The Imperial Hawaii Resort, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, The Umauma Experience, Waikiki Beach
Marriott Resort & Spa, Waikiki Resort Hotel
PCMA Bay Area Meetings
Industry Excellence (BAMIES)
Awards Gala
PCMA BAMIES Awards Gala was held on November 13 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. This Annual Gala celebrates the community by awarding 6 major local Meetings Industry Professionals who have contributed to the hospitality industry in significant ways. Over 300+ Guests were in attendance and proceeds from the Silent Auction benefited PCMA’s Foundation.
Partners:
SITE Southern California
Holiday Event & Charity Gala
SITE So Cal was held on December 12, 2024, at the Omni La Cost, Carlsbad. Meet Hawai‘i hosted a table of clients at the Gala Dinner with partner hotels. 800+ Attendees were present, and funds were raised for local charities through silent & live auction items. Meet Hawai‘i also hosted an Aloha Friday Brunch, with 20 clients in attendance. The events were a great way to connect with clients and share updates on what is happening in the Islands.
Partners:
We enjoyed a vibrant summer evening of networking, connection, and camaraderie at the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, bringing together 200 industry professionals for an unforgettable night. The event was filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and warm conversations as we reunited with fellow HVCB members, welcomed new faces, and exchanged business cards.
Sponsors:
Partners and Donations:
Summer Pau Hana
Taste of Maui Local Media Press Trip
Coordinated by the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau, three locally based media were invited to experience Maui’s culinary scene and shine a light on its significance in supporting Maui’s community. The itinerary included also included Maui’s charming small towns and the Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival.
Partners:
HVCB and the Island Chapters conducted three Educational Blitz events in Washington DC, Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL, Aug. 20-22, drawing nearly 200 qualified travel advisors. In addition to a trade show featuring Hawai‘i supplier partners, Island Visitors Bureaus representatives conducted a pre-event indepth destination workshop for180 advisors.
US East Leisure Educational Blitz
Partners:
HVCB and the Island Chapters conducted two Educational Blitz events in Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT, June 19-20, drawing a total of 84 travel advisors. In addition to a trade show featuring 14 Hawai‘i suppliers.
US West Leisure Educational Blitz
Partners:
Tourism Cares FAM
This FAM brought together Impact Partners from across the Hawaiian Islands with 11 vetted travel advisors and representatives from Virtuoso, Delta Vacations, Classic Vacations, ALG Vacations, and Pleasant Holidays. The event began with the Tourism Cares Forum followed by a week-long itinerary featuring a variety of activities, site inspections, partner meetings, and destination and cultural training.
Partners:
US West Leisure Educational Blitz L . A .
As a part of the L.A. Market Activation, HVCB and the Island Chapters conducted three Educational Blitz events in Irvine, Woodland Hills, and Pomona, CA, October 15-17. A total of 145 travel advisors attended the workshop seminar, while 168 participated in the trade show, networking dinner, and mainstage presentations.
Partners:
Virtual Media Blitzes
In March, the HVCB and Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau’s PR Teams provided updates on Maui’s recovery efforts to inspire media visits and editorial coverage encouraging travel to Hawai‘i, which resulted in one-on-one meetings with 31 top media outlets and helped shape itineraries for visiting journalists. In May, the HVCB and Island Chapter PR teams hosted a week-long virtual media blitz, securing 32 meetings with 24 top media contacts. These meetings connected the team with an impressive 37 outlets, providing a valuable platform to share Hawai‘i’s latest updates.
Partners:
Now, we invite you to be a part of our 2025 journey. With fresh initiatives and exciting opportunities ahead, this is the perfect time to join us in making a lasting impact. Whether you're continuing your partnership or collaborating with us for the first time, we look forward to creating something extraordinary together.
Let’s build on the momentum of 2024 and make 2025 even more remarkable.
The 2025 Partnership Opportunities document, which outlines a variety of leisure, travel trade, and MCI marketing opportunities that we encourage you to participate in, can be found on our website at:
https://www.hvcb.org/about-hvcb/marketing-efforts Mahalo.