Third Annual Hawaii Travel Exchange Starts October 21, 2012

Questex Travel Group’s Hawaii Travel Exchange will return for a third year from October 21 to 24, 2012 at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island. Presented by Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazines in partnership with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, the event is now accepting travel advisor applications and supplier positions at TheHawaiiTravelExchange.com.

"We’re very excited to host our third Hawaii Travel Exchange on Hawaii, the Big Island in 2012. Our annual event brings together travel professionals and Hawaii suppliers and has received high marks and great, positive feedback from both. There is no better setting than the Hawaiian Islands for a vacation or a conference and the best way to better sell the islands is to experience the islands," commented Julie Zadeh, managing director of travel trade marketing for the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. "This event allows agents a great Hawaii island experience, together with an event that creates networking and long lasting Hawaii based contacts."

"We are truly excited to once again partner with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau on an outstanding program dedicated to selling the beautiful islands of Hawaii," said Jennifer Fernandez, group show and event director, Hawaii Travel Exchange. "The diversity of products and experiences of the islands represents significant revenue producing opportunities for top travel agents. The educational content and supplier connections during one-to-one appointments will undoubtedly provide travel advisors with a unique venue to engage and immerse themselves in everything Hawaii."

The four day event will include pre-scheduled, on-to-one appointments, Hawaii-focused educational sessions, site inspections and networking opportunities. FAMs are also available to select participants. Fully hosted agents will receive flight transportation to the Big Island, courtesy of MLT Vacations and accommodations one of five properties including: The Fairmont Orchid, Halii Kai at Waikoloa, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.

Suppliers in attendance will represent the island chapters of Hawaii, hotels and resorts, spas, cruise lines, tour operators, transportation companies, attractions, activities and airlines.

"We’re excited to be a premier sponsor of Hawaii Travel Exchange for the third year in a row and to be providing transportation to the qualified travel agents attending in 2012,” said Terry Morrison, vice president of sales at MLT Vacations. “We are committed to supporting travel agents in their efforts to participate in ongoing training and education opportunities, increase their knowledge and grow their business."

Applications for fully hosted agent positions are now being accepted at TheHawaiiTravelExchange.com. All attendees will be pre-qualified through a strict vetting process including confirmation of booking history and supplier references. Agents can direct questions to Melody Tauchman at [email protected].

Suppliers looking to reach top-producing travel agents with a vested interest in Hawaii should contact Jennifer Fernandez at 718-351-4823 or via email at [email protected].