| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 42 |
| Copyright: Other |
Meetings by AlanMoore
Ideal destination for a meeting of like minds
New conference centre bids for business
corporate meetings and incentives Mike Murray is confident the facility will attract conference organisers from the UK and Europe who are familiar with the US mainland market.Murray said many of the major hotel chains are investing in new and upgraded conference hospitality facilities across the main islands (see page 41).
“The British market is important for us as Hawaii acts as a crossroads for UK companies with interests between North America and countries in the Pacific Rim, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and China,” said Murray. “This means that Hawaii is a cross point in which to meet and conduct business.”
He also claimed that the distance from the UK to Hawaii is not an issue for those wanting to host a conference event.
“Most Europeans are accustomed to travelling long haul; the main problem is price perception,” said Murray. “We have to dispel the idea that Hawaii is expensive and only a place to either do business or go on holiday once in a lifetime.
“You can get four-star hotel rooms for under $100 a night, while Hawaii’s three-star properties have much better ratings than equivalent accommodation in other countries. We offer value and a good price range.”
HVCB UK representative Julie Blissett is the UK travel industry’s first point of contact for those interested in choosing Hawaii as a conference or incentive destination.
Blissett said that eight years ago, the incentive market from the UK to Hawaii was almost non-existent as companies thought staff would be away from the workplace for too long because of the distance travelled and the different time zones they encounter.
selling points
conference and incentive market
n One of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
n Diversity of culture and heritage.
n Six contrasting islands.
n There are 70,000 hotel rooms
n Top-quality hotels.
n Good year-round weather.
n World-class sports and recreational facilities.
n Opportunity to combine business with family holiday.
n Wide choice of air services from the UK via US gateways.
HAWAII’ S first purpose-built convention centre is putting the destination at the front of the meetings and exhibitions market.
The $350m complex, opened over two years ago, is situated in the heart of Waikiki on Oahu and within a one-mile radius of 35,000 hotel rooms.
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau director of sales, corporate meetings and incentives Mike Murray is confident the facility will attract conference organisers from the UK and Europe who are familiar with the US mainland market.
Murray said many of the major hotel chains are investing in new and upgraded conference hospitality facilities across the main islands (see page 41).
“The British market is important for us as Hawaii acts as a crossroads for UK companies with interests between North America and countries in the Pacific Rim, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and China,” said Murray. “This means that Hawaii is a cross point in which to meet and conduct business.”
He also claimed that the distance from the UK to Hawaii is not an issue for those wanting to host a conference event.
“Most Europeans are accustomed to travelling long haul; the main problem is price perception,” said Murray. “We have to dispel the idea that Hawaii is expensive and only a place to either do business or go on holiday once in a lifetime.
“You can get four-star hotel rooms for under $100 a night, while Hawaii’s three-star properties have much better ratings than equivalent accommodation in other countries. We offer value and a good price range.”
HVCB UK representative Julie Blissett is the UK travel industry’s first point of contact for those interested in choosing Hawaii as a conference or incentive destination.
Blissett said that eight years ago, the incentive market from the UK to Hawaii was almost non-existent as companies thought staff would be away from the workplace for too long because of the distance travelled and the different time zones they encounter.
Waikiki: is home to Hawaii’s new conference centre
factfile
hawaii visitors convention bureau
The HVCB provides:
n Proposals for meetings, conventions, trade shows and incentive groups of all sizes throughout the islands.
n Support for promotional and incentive material, trade booths, destination brochures, videos and posters.
n Support services for planners as well as attendees.
n Event registration and reservation services for hotels, restaurants and tours.
convention centre
n The centre is on a 10-acre site on the island of Oahu, near Waikiki’s restaurants, shops and hotels.
n The exhibition hall features 200,000sq ft of space.
n There is a total of 49 meeting rooms.
n The ballroom totals 36,000sq ft, which can be divided into three separate units.
n There are two theatres, both tiered for multi-mediapresentations, seating 334 and 465.
n The centre’s design and decor are Hawaiian in style, with a high-rise lobby, a 70ft-high waterfall and terraces for functions.
Time off: conferences can be combined with leisure pursuits