Hawaii

[Lexie Ellingwood]

Hello ALL MPNers,
Just wanted to poll the planners out there and see what your thoughts are about Hawaii as a destination. Are you seeing your clients/programs/boards asking for this destination or are there other hot spots that are more popular? For me it seems like I have not seen as many RFP's comng through for Hawaii and I was wondering why?
Thoughts?

[Administrator]

I only have a couple of clients that book Hawaii and they do it on a rotation basis. So far, they have not indicated any change in their plans to book Hawaii for the upcoming years.

That said, I have had other clients recently enquire about actually changing the location of currently booked programs due to 'perception' issues. With the downturn in business recently, some are concerned about being perceived as irresponsible for holding meetings at 5 star hotels. It would not surprise me if others had this concern and were reluctant to book Hawaii until the economy improves.

[Ari Shapiro]

Lexie, I do site selection work and am based here in Hawaii. My clients are based across the US and Canada. I find the requests for Hawaii to be not only cyclical but also political. I think it come down to a few critical issues. There is a strong perception from executive level decision makers that Hawaii is a boondoggle. Tough one to overcome. The other issues is air cost and travel time. I kind of feel like I am stating the obvious here but although I book clients into properties all over the world I always like to put Hawaii out there as viable option. The above are the constant reasons why its not a consideration. No when it comes to incentive.. well Hawaii is an obvious choice. Pricing is better then the Caribbean and FL.

Overall I think your dealing with a very conservative market right now and corporations don't want to give off the wrong impression.

This is just my experience talking however. I could be totally wrong. Its been known to happen. Just ask my wife she will be the first to attest to that!

[Michelle DeClerck, CMP]

I just came home yesterday for an event we booked and ran this week in Hawaii. The hotel occupancy rates were lower than previous years, however, the product was just as alluring as ever. From the DMCs to the venues used, my group was extremely satisfied and complimentary of the services and the destination as a whole. Despite having to rebook my guests (from Aloha Air, then ATA, then on to other carriers), everyone was so supportive. I would recommend Hawaii for many reasons.

[Joanna Jeronimo]

Hi Lexi,

Having lived on Maui for 25 years, I know all of Hawaii to be a fabulous destination. However, as James said, the corporate perception of taking a group to Hawaii in these economic times, can be challenging. Additionally, with the demise of two of Hawaii's airlines, it will be harder and more costly to get there. The Hawaiian tourism industry is completely dependant on air lift. I think these factors cause clients on the Eastern half of the US turn their eyes toward the closer tropical destinations of Florida, Mexico and the Carribean.

I have several corporate clients who book Hawaii and their industry is not effected by the economy, so it continues to be a great choice for them.

From past experience, if the current cycle continues and hotel rates drop, associations that cannot usually afford Hawaii will begin looking.

To counter all that, Hawaii is as exotic a destination as you can find without leaving the country.