Heading into the heart of cold weather, Hawaii comes to the top of our consciousness when considering where to go to for the winter. Certainly, the islands have had a great 2010, as our article, "Forecast for Hawaii," reviews the projected trends for 2011 based on this year's record turnout. An island paradise within the States (after all, it made our Top 10 Places for Valentine's Day Trysts list), Hawaii's evolution is one we've followed with pride.
In December of 1962, we sat down with Jack C. Tobin, vice president, sales and service of Hawaiian Airlines. Oahu was developing in hotel and apartment openings, travel was opening up between the islands and March's Cherry Blossom Festival and Coronation Ball were coming up for residents and tourists alike.
One thing that caught our eye in Tobin's interview was Hertz's "all-island special," where clients could book a late model, standard-shift Corvair or similar car for $40 a week and nine cents a mile. (See the full article here.)
However, the year-round weather is by no means a thing of the past, and today we can revel in developments including Kauai's Poipu Bay Golf Course, American Safari Cruises' "Authentic Hawaii" Voyages, and the addition of festivals throughout the year, among them our own Family-Friendly Festivals. Also, check out the Hawaii Travel Exchange, attended by 140 travel agents to meet with 50 Hawaii suppliers representing hotels and resorts, spas, destinations, tour operators, transportation companies and airlines.
Back in the 1960s, we couldn't share our interviews on the web as we do today. Still, we think the interview makes a nice read now as much as it did back then.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we're taking a look at what was happening in the industry in the past and asking agents to share their thoughts on what has changed in the industry up until the present. So please share your thoughts by posting a comment below, writing us at our Facebook page, sending a tweet to our Twitter page or by engaging in a discussion in real time at AgentNation (the only social community online for all kinds of travel agents, which certainly wasn't around 80 years ago). We want to hear from you.
And while you're here, learn more about how we're celebrating eight decades of covering the travel industry for travel professionals.