As Hawaii develops deals to drive business to the islands, wholesalers are following suit by coming up with value-added programs and travel agent incentives, making this a great time to book America’s paradise. Here’s what some of the top firms are offering.
All About Hawaii
Agents earn 18 percent commission on the hotel portion of a current promotion offered by All About Hawaii. The package, which ranges in price from $1,139-$1,657 per person, includes airfare from San Francisco, five days’ use of a rental car and a five-night stay at the new Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach. The last day to book is April 30.
www.allabouthawaii.com
Classic Vacations
For packages booked by March 26 for travel by March 31, clients save up to $500 on their airfare and get a $199 rental car credit (a five-night minimum rental is required). A number of properties across five islands are participating. Agents get a $100 American Express gift card with every fifth booking of this promotion.
The San Jose-based wholesaler is also pitching its Classic Romance program with a variety of his-and-hers packages. For instance, a four-night booking at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel starts at $1,319 per person and includes daily buffet breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, a one-time $100 dinner credit, a convertible rental car, free parking and sparkling wine and chocolates upon arrival.
www.classicvacations.com
Globus
For 2010, the company has unveiled its new Enchanting Hawaii Platinum guided tour with the Globus brand (land-only from $2,469 for seven nights) and an independent travel package to Maui and Kauai through its Monograms brand (from $829 for six nights).
“On our vacations, travelers can choose to explore some of Hawaii’s most awe-inspiring national parks, enjoy lunch at a plantation, snorkel, watch the sun set on a cruise, learn about island history or simply take in the view from one of the destination’s beaches year-round,” said Globus president Scott Nisbet.
www.globusfamilypartner.com
Gogo Worldwide Vacations
Gogo is listing a wide range of land-only hotel packages, many of which include free meals, hotel transfers, rental cars and room upgrades. At Oahu’s Aqua Aloha Surf Hotel, rates for three nights start at $185. On Hawaii’s Big Island, clients can stay four nights at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort from $415. Maui deals include four nights from $515 at Kaanapali Beach Hotel, while a five-night stay at Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club begins at $815.
Gogo now pays commission at the time of final payment. Agents can sign up to have their commission deposited electronically. Also new is a travel protection plan that covers published airfare and includes 24/7 concierge service.
www.gogowwv.com
Pleasant Holidays
Usually, for all Pleasant bookings, agents automatically receive Travel Reward Incentive Program points redeemable for travel to any Pleasant destination. Now, for every Hawaii booking made by March 31, agents earn 250 bonus points. This includes land-only, air-inclusive, fly-drive packages and NCL Hawaii cruises. The new incentives are in addition to commissions for Hawaii packages.
www.pleasantagent.com
Travel Impressions
The company is pitching five-night value-added stays at 25 participating Outrigger and Ohana properties on four islands, with rates from $279 per person. Its Three For Free promotion at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa starts at $489 for four nights, while a four-night package at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa starts at $639.
Travel agents earn an extra 1 percent bonus commission when booking Hawaii travel packages through the company’s online booking system, Quest for Agents.
www.travelimpressions.com
