Hawaii With Blue Sky Tours

The wholesaler stays aggressive as it sells the islands.

Blue Sky Tours sells only Hawaii, and it works only through travel agents. That combination, said vice president Kevin Wilmore, gives the company a leg up on the competition.

“Our team knows Hawaii inside and out,” Wilmore said. “Some have been to the islands more than 20 times. A client’s best bet when booking a Hawaii vacation is to work with agents who have the expertise and product of Blue Sky at their disposal.” 

Alaska Airlines recently partnered with Blue Sky Tours. // (C) 2010 Alaska Airlines

Blue Sky’s strategy is simple: Stay aggressive. It recently added Alaska Airlines as partner and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts condominiums to its inventory. It now has a presence on VAX Vacation Access. And, its new insurance program provides extra protection for travelers while giving agents the chance to make more commission and protect their commission if clients cancel.

To underscore its dedication to agents, Blue Sky now gives travelers a free personal photo book as a joint present from the wholesaler and the agent. For 2010, Blue Sky is increasing its fams and, later this year, it will launch an extra commission promotion.

As Wilmore looked toward 2010, he spoke optimistically about selling travel to Hawaii.

“Hawaii has responded very strongly to the economic climate and increased competition from other destinations and, so far, our 2010 sales are reflecting its efforts,” he said.

As it enhances its offerings, however, Blue Sky remains dedicated to providing value. At the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui, Blue Sky’s nightly land-only oceanview room rate is $285, including a rental car. At the Wyndham Bali Hai Villas on Kauai, a two-bedroom unit starts at $176.

“It may sound cliche, but we focus on delivering the best possible value and service to agents and their clients,” said Wilmore.