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What are the challenges of selling a destination amid negative news about the economy and rising airline ticket prices?
While the travel industry has been dynamic in the last several months, our mission has not changed. We will continue to build demand for the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Maui is responding by reminding visitors and travel agents that Maui, and Hawaii in general, offers a unique cultural experience found nowhere else. Combined with a wide range of excellent accommodation options, award-winning cuisine, exciting activities, world-class service and staggering natural beauty, Maui remains a premier destination and a good value.
Maui County has begun requiring commercial permits for weddings held on public beaches. Will agents with wedding clients need to plan anything differently?
While I’d recommend couples plan a little earlier, I don’t believe there is a need to plan any differently. Agents and clients simply need to make sure they are working with wedding planners who can best plan their special day. Many hotels and resorts offer in-house wedding coordinators, and there are also excellent independent planners. There is no extra burden on the wedding couple as wedding coordinators are responsible for securing permits.
This year Maui County began enforcing zoning laws restricting vacation rentals and requiring permits. What should agents know about the availability of these accommodations?
They should check Maui County’s Web site [www.co.maui.hi.us] to determine which rentals are legally permitted. The legislation is being worked on as we speak and hopefully will be completed in a few months. In the meantime, there are permitted vacation rental options available on all the islands of Maui County.
A number of road closures have affected public access to certain locations and activities on Maui. What is the status of the road closures and what options can visitors pursue?
Safety is our number-one concern, followed closely by the need to preserve and protect the very environment that makes our islands special. In addition, there are many other areas of our islands to explore and many other places to see. This is an educational process in which travel agents play a critical role. We continue to rely on agents to share current and accurate information with our visitors, and we encourage everyone to go to VisitMaui.com for the latest updates and calendar of events.
Organizers of Maui’s famed Halloween on Front Street in historic Lahaina were denied permits this year by the county’s Cultural Resources Commission, citing conflicts with ancient Hawaiian traditions. This year’s Friday night festivities will still take place informally. How should agents promote the event for potential visitors?
While there is no official celebration, we do believe people will continue to celebrate Halloween in Lahaina. Agents should remind their clients to simply be safe and enjoy the night in a responsible fashion.
What can agents tell clients about all of these recent government initiatives?
Ultimately, it is the beauty of our islands that most impresses visitors. The government initiatives are designed to preserve the very beauty and island lifestyle that many of our visitors, and certainly our residents, love.
