HVCB and Blue Sky Team Up

Feb 02, 2011

As the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) rolls out a new branding initiative to help travel agents increase their Hawaii sales, it has partnered with Blue Sky Tours to enhance the Hawaii content available on VAX VacationAccess, one of the largest online distribution platforms for leisure travel agents.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the islands saw an increase in visitor arrivals and spending in 2010, a trend that is expected to continue in 2011. To further stimulate growth, HVCB recently improved its destination information resources, focusing on the islands as a state as well as individual island experiences.

In recognition of these trends, the Blue Sky Tours/HVCB/VAX VacationAccess initiative is aimed at improving travel agents’ access to all the resources they need to best sell vacations to the 50th state. The result is a one-stop-shop for travel agents to access all the Hawaii information they need.

On VAX VacationAccess, the islands now have an elevated position thanks to a Hawaii-dedicated tab within the Destination Center. Blue Sky Tours has worked with VAX VacationAccess to incorporate HVCB’s photos and information about unique experiences such as whale watching, surfing and volcano excursions. Content includes maps with state, island and region destination information, videos, travel tips, frequently asked questions and overviews of popular Hawaii experiences.

“Blue Sky Tours sells only Hawaii and only through travel agents, so this was a natural fit for us,” said Blue Sky Tours general manager Kevin Wilmore.

“HVCB recognizes the growth of VAX VacationAccess and is excited about Hawaii’s destination content being available on this excellent travel agent tool and resource,” said HVCB travel trade marketing managing director Julie Zadeh. “I would also like to recognize Blue Sky Tours for having the vision to address this need.”

VAX VacationAccess gives vacation suppliers a variety of ways to reach qualified agents, said VAX VacationAccess director of vendor and partner development Becky Capper.

“This is a great example of one of our quality travel suppliers listening to the requests of travel agents and working with VAX VacationAccess to bring forth the resources to best address those needs,” Capper said.