How is the recession/economy affecting your agency’s Hawaii sales?
Unfortunately, Hawaii sales have been down. When airline prices went up so much in 2008, it really put a halt to a lot of travel.
Unfortunately, Hawaii sales have been down. When airline prices went up so much in 2008, it really put a halt to a lot of travel.
Of your agency’s Hawaii bookings, which destinations and islands seem to be the most recession-proof?
I’d have to say none of them at this time. The same is true for clientele. We’ve seen all types of travel affected, from family vacations to honeymoons. However, air prices seem to be coming down, so hopefully the word will get out.
I’d have to say none of them at this time. The same is true for clientele. We’ve seen all types of travel affected, from family vacations to honeymoons. However, air prices seem to be coming down, so hopefully the word will get out.
How are you using e-mail marketing to encourage Hawaii bookings?
AWe work closely with our consortium — Signature Travel Network — so that we can promote our preferred suppliers through our weekly e-mail blasts. At the beginning of November 2008, we sent out e-mails advertising the reduced airfare rates to Hawaii in conjunction with Pleasant Holidays and Hawaii World. People have been scared off by the high air rates to Hawaii, so letting them know about the new great rates has helped to encourage people to get traveling again.
AWe work closely with our consortium — Signature Travel Network — so that we can promote our preferred suppliers through our weekly e-mail blasts. At the beginning of November 2008, we sent out e-mails advertising the reduced airfare rates to Hawaii in conjunction with Pleasant Holidays and Hawaii World. People have been scared off by the high air rates to Hawaii, so letting them know about the new great rates has helped to encourage people to get traveling again.
What are some of the other new things your agency will try this year with Hawaii bookings in mind?
In looking over our bookings from the first and second quarter, we noticed that our clients are
currently moving toward cruises instead of land vacations for this year. So we’ve been promoting more cruises instead of land vacations, Hawaii included.
In looking over our bookings from the first and second quarter, we noticed that our clients are currently moving toward cruises instead of land vacations for this year. So we’ve been promoting more cruises instead of land vacations, Hawaii included.
How else will you enhance your Hawaii marketing for 2009?
We are in the process of adding more travel nights into our marketing plan. Over the past several years, we have hosted quarterly Caribbean Nights with Sandals. Those events usually attract about 10 people, out of which we get two or more bookings of $5,000 or more. Based on that success, we are going to take that model and use it for featuring other destinations on a monthly basis. Hawaii will be one of these destinations. We may even promote Hawaii a couple of times — one with a more general focus and one with a specific focus on family travel.
We are in the process of adding more travel nights into our marketing plan. Over the past several years, we have hosted quarterly Caribbean Nights with Sandals. Those events usually attract about 10 people, out of which we get two or more bookings of $5,000 or more. Based on that success, we are going to take that model and use it for featuring other destinations on a monthly basis. Hawaii will be one of these destinations. We may even promote Hawaii a couple of times — one with a more general focus and one with a specific focus on family travel.
