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Photo Credit: IHVB/Kirk Lee Aeder
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"Aia nō i ke kō a ke au."
Whichever way the current goes.
Time will tell
‘Ōlelo No‘eau #69
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Aloha HVCB Members,
It doesn’t seem like a year has gone by since the world optimistically wished 2020 a fond farewell yet here we are welcoming in 2022. It continues to be a time requiring flexibility, resiliency, and perseverance. We remain hopeful, with all of you, that the new year will bring some stability to Hawaii tourism and we can all move forward welcoming visitors to experience the deeply rooted relationship that connects our natural beauty, vibrant culture, and our people.
2021 ended with an unexpected turn of events. In December, HVCB responded to and was awarded the HTA contract for the U.S. Leisure market. However, DBEDT has decided to re-solicit that RFP to include factors of significance to HTA that they believe should have been included in the original RFP. In the meantime, HTA has extended our existing leisure contract as well as the support services contract for up to six months. These contracts will allow us to carry our current marketing efforts forward until we bid on the new HTUSA RFP. A copy of DBEDT’s news release is here.
Some good news, we won the Global MCI contract for the years 2022-2025 and are finalizing a four-year contract. We’ve built a strong MCI sales team that will enable us to work with U.S. and international clients to attract meetings, conventions, and incentives to our state.
The Malama Hawaii campaign is growing with over 100 accommodation, activity, and community partners working on a statewide effort that encourages mindful, and ultimately regenerative, travel through voluntourism. Mahalo to all our participating members, it’s through our partnerships that we will effect positive change for the destination.
As we move into the 3rd year of navigating the pandemic, we have learned that only time will tell what comes next. Please continue to stay engaged with HVCB for destination marketing and management information and updates.
What’s going on in your business? We’d love to hear from you.
From our HVCB ohana to you and yours, We wish you a Happy New Year.
John Monahan, President & CEO, and the HVCB team
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Welcome to Our New Members
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This month’s member spotlight is Kelley Shannon Sullivan-Webb, nominated by Bonnie Bise, Halekulani & Halepuna Waikiki, and chosen by an independent committee of HVCB team members.
Kelley has been with SpaHalekulani for almost sixteen years. Never without a smile, she is the true epitome of service excellence. Skilled in hair care, skin care, and manicures/pedicures, Kelley can do it all. Her guests are what motivate her and she will always go beyond the call to assist guests as well as her fellow employees. She enjoys pampering people and forms strong connections with the people that she meets.
In the more recent years, Kelley has been our resident, and the most stunning Mrs. Claus anyone has ever seen. Mrs. Claus participates in our annual Twelve Days of Christmas, by giving a special story telling hour in our cozy Living Room area to our youngest guests.
Originally from Oregon, Kelley and her husband John, have been calling Hawaii home for over 17 years. Her loves are her two adorable pugs Bailey and Bree. We are grateful to have Kelley Sullivan-Webb as part of the Halekulani family.
Learn how you can nominate an individual, or group, of a member company for a future Member Spotlight Here ►
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We want to hear from you! How familiar are you with your HVCB member benefits?
After responding, if you need to make a change, click here.
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Malama Hawaii Program 2022
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HTA, HVCB and the Island Chapters continue to work together with industry partners and community organizations on the Malama Hawaii Program – a statewide effort that encourages mindful, and ultimately regenerative, travel through voluntourism. With more than 100 total partners mobilized, the interest in and momentum of the Malama Hawaii Program signals a collective desire to Malama Kuu Home. The program will evolve in 2022 with adjustments that focus on converting more visitors to volunteers, improving tracking and accountability, and increasing engagement within the industry. All participating volunteer programs will also be required to complete HTA’s Visitor Readiness Checklist to ensure that community organizations are prepared and feel confident in welcoming visitors.
Malama Hawaii Webinars are in the works for current and prospective partners. In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about participating in the Malama Hawaii Program, please contact Lei-Ann Field: lfield@hvcb.org.
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Welcome New HVCB Team Member
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Our member promise is that we will provide you with unique and strategic benefits that will help you reach your goals. Please review the expanded 2022 checklist here ► for guidance on how to optimize your member-only benefits and feel free to reach out to us at membership@hvcb.org at any time.
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Job Board Coming Soon To HVCB.ORG
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Are you hiring? Looking for a local talent? Soon, you’ll be able to post your company’s employment opportunities at HVCB.org. Yes, you read that right! This new member benefit will be provided to you free of charge.
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NPP Partner Benefit: Verizon 5G and Your Business
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NPP is a member benefit provider of HVCB. Through our partnership with NPP, eligible members can save 22% OFF Verizon monthly access fees* and up to 35% OFF cool accessories. Just click here ► to sign up with NPP for free.
Once you enroll your business and activate the Verizon business discount, there is a similar offer for your employees. Employees can save up to 18% OFF Verizon monthly access fees and up to 25% OFF select accessories.
NPP has a catalog of business offers and deals for businesses and employees. Membership is free and there is no obligation to purchase.
Restrictions may apply.
*Unlimited plans are not eligible for corporate and employee line discounts. All Verizon Wireless offers are for a limited time only and are subject to equipment availability. Verizon Wireless reserves the right to change or modify all offers at any time without notice. All terms and conditions are subject to and governed by Verizon Wireless' Agreement with Customer, including, but not limited to, Customer eligibility requirements. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the Verizon Wireless offers, however, Verizon Wireless is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Restrictions may apply. Visit mynpp.com for details
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Looking at the graph below for January 2022, the current line in black is on pace for two years ago pre-pandemic. Our trend continues to follow 2019 numbers as we learn to live with the pandemic where we saw a dramatic change from 2020 where it dropped significantly due to COVID restrictions on travel. Growth of the Omicron variant continued to impact the holidays and into 2022 and the cases continue to grow. According to Destination Analysts American travelers’ state of mind rose from 77.7% an increase since December 13 and the highest since the pandemic. Over 30% of American travelers will take more leisure trips in 2022 than 2021. Going into 2022, the outlook for travel in 2022 is optimistic.
Read More from Destination Analysts Here ►
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As we welcome 2022, we extend a challenge to all Members to celebrate Hawaiian Language Month this coming February. Officially designated by Governor Abercrombie in 2012 to celebrate and encourage the use of the Hawaiian language, Mahina Olelo Hawaii is the perfect time to honor the first language of these islands.
“Since 1978, the State has reaffirmed Hawaiian as one of its official languages, and the legislature has supported efforts to incorporate the Hawaiian language into official state writings, emblems, and signs. The State has ensured that these public inscriptions are mandatory, accurate, and spelled correctly. The use of proper Hawaiian macrons and glottal stops not only shows the deserved respect for the native language of these islands, but also fully comports with the intent and purpose of the state constitution.” SB469 part 2, section 3
How can you incorporate the Hawaiian language into your day?
- Greeting colleagues and guests with, “Aloha.”
- Email salutations
- Develop internal Hawaiian language usage guidelines for consistency
- Hawaiian language classes
- Hire a Kumu to come teach employees during brown bag lunches
- Encourage your department to download a language app and challenge each other
- Create incentive for employees to take night classes
Resources:
E ola ka olelo Hawaii – long live the Hawaiian language!
Click here ► for information regarding onsite or remote training with HVCB’s Director of Culture and Product Development.
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Island Chapters steward each individual island brand, with resources you can rely on in each county. Select your Island Chapter below to view county-specific news and updates.
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Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau Updates - Stay tuned for future updates.
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Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau Updates - Stay tuned for future updates.
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NEW Save the Date - Virtual Winter Tourism Update
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The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has rescheduled its virtual Winter Tourism Update to Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. HST. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned as registration information and more details are forthcoming.
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HTA and HCF Awards Funding to Support Natural Resource Programs in 2022
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In its accelerated destination management efforts to preserve and regenerate Hawaii’s natural resources, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) have announced $1,575,000 in funding to support 31 community-based programs statewide through its Aloha Aina program for 2022.
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HTA and HCF Awards Funding to Support Hawaiian Cultural Programs in 2022
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Building on its commitment to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) have announced $1,475,000 in funding to support 30 community-based programs in Hawaii through HTA’s Kukulu Ola program for 2022.
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Destination Management Action Plan – Fall 2021 Progress Reports
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The Hawaii Tourism Authority is providing an update on the progress toward fulfilling the following Destination Management Action Plans (DMAPs), which aims to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period. Click the island below to view the full Destination Management Action Plan Fall 2021 Progress Report.
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Hawaii Hotel Performance Report - December 2021
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Hawaii Hotel RevPAR Up 7.6% in December 2021 Compared to December 2019 Driven by Higher ADR; Hawaii Led the Nation in 2021 RevPAR and ADR
Hawaii hotels statewide reported substantially higher revenue per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate (ADR), and occupancy in December 2021 compared to December 2020 when the State’s quarantine order for travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in dramatic declines for the hotel industry. When compared to December 2019, statewide ADR and RevPAR was higher in December 2021, but occupancy declined.
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Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance Report - December 2021
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Vacation rentals across Hawaii reported substantial increases in demand, occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) in December 2021 compared to December 2020, however vacation rental supply declined. In comparison to December 2019, ADR was higher in December 2021, but vacation rental supply, demand and occupancy were down.
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Update of Safe Travels Hawaii Program
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- Effective January 3, the Safe Travels Mandatory Quarantine period has been reduced from 10 days to 5 days. Revised COVID positive isolation and quarantine policy – details may be found here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-revises-states-isolation-quarantine-policy/
- Guidelines for COVID-19 positive travelers change:
If COVID-19 positive regardless of vaccination status
- Isolate for at least 5 days and until symptoms are gone.
- Continue to wear a mask for five days after isolation.
- If traveler is still symptomatic on day 5, traveler is advised to seek medical attention and quarantine until a COVID-19 test can be taken. If it’s positive, isolate in place for an additional 5 days and don’t travel.
- Effective January 4, the completion of the Health Questionnaire prior to departure will no longer be required.
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Maui County’s (Maui, Molokai, Lanai) Safer Outside Program
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Maui County Public Health Emergency Rules have been revised, including the definition of “fully vaccinated” for the Safer Outside program, which impacts only Maui County. This change affects businesses including restaurants, bars, and gyms.
The definition of "fully vaccinated" includes the following:
- Between two weeks to six months of receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Note: if more than six months have passed since your initial vaccination and you did not receive a booster shot, you are no longer considered fully vaccinated.
- You are considered fully vaccinated the day you receive your booster shot. When eligible, having a booster shot after six months of receiving the Pfizer or Moderna second shot or two months after the Johnson & Johnson single shot.
- Patrons who are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated may dine indoors with a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of dining. Patrons may also dine outdoors or enjoy take-out.
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What's Happening Around Our Industry
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We’re excited to announce that starting in February, we will have an Industry update issue of Kahe Wale sent separately from the HVCB updates issue. Please send any stories, content and news you would like to include in the Industry updates edition to Becky Stark bstark@hvcb.org by Monday, February 21.
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Laura Richards Retires after Nearly 30 Years Overseeing Hanalei Colony Resort
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Hanalei Colony Resort announces the retirement of Laura Richards after nearly three decades as general manager. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, longtime employees Joseph Kuharic and Steven Ng will serve as general manager and assistant general manager, respectively.
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2021 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards
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Congratulations to our members who were honored in Travel Weekly’s 2021 Readers Choice in the following categories:
- Lifetime Achievement Recipient
- Richard R. Kelley, Outrigger Enterprises Group
- Best in Airlines
- Business/First Class: United Airlines
- Best in Hotel Chains
- Domestic: Marriott International
- Hawaii/South Pacific: Marriott International
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts
- Upscale: Westin Hotels & Resorts
- Mid-Priced: Hampton Inn
- Sales & Service: Marriott International
- Overall Hotel Group: Marriott International
- Best in Tour Operators
- Hawaii: Pleasant Holidays
- Packaged Sales & Service: Delta Vacations
- Best in Destinations
- Hawaii: Maui
- US State: Hawaii
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2021 Cocoa of Excellence Awards
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Congratulations to our members who received 2021 Cocoa of Excellence Awards for the Asia and Pacific region:
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Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate
Gold Award
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Lydgate Farms
Silver Award |
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Member Testimonials
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"Mahalo for the partnership and successes that our hotel and HVCB has had since we opened 15 years ago. We have benefited from HVCB marketing efforts, coop opportunities and community projects and coupled with HVCB staff’s Aloha spirit and passion for Hawaii makes it truly a rewarding experience to work with HVCB. We look forward to many more years with HVCB to foster our love of our Hawaiian islands and make it a better place to live and visit for all to experience!”
-Simeon Miranda, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
Submit a Testimonial Here ►
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Kahe Wale Content
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HVCB is happy to accept your feedback, stories, content and news for our industry updates issue of Kahe Wale. Please send Kahe Wale feedback to membership@hvcb.org and submit newsletter content to Becky Stark bstark@hvcb.org by the end of day on Monday, February 21.
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