Hawaii Travel Exchange Kicks Off

Hawaii Travel Exchange kicked off last night at the Westin Moana Surfrider in Waikiki at a lovely reception on the hotel's grand lawn, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

The event, owned by Questex Media, was organized by the same team that hosts Luxury Travel Expo each December in Las Vegas.

Travel agents, 140 in all, flew in for the event, courtesy of MLT Vacations. Over the next two days, they will meet with 50 Hawaii suppliers representing hotels and resorts, spas, destinations, tour operators, transportation companies and airlines in pre-arranged, one-on-one appointments. Hawaii Travel Exchange will also provide networking opportunities and educational seminars provided by the local tourism offices of the Hawaiian Islands.

Today's events include a breakfast at Hilton Hawaiian Village, a welcoming opening session, lunch at the Ala Moana Hotel, sponsored by Outrigger Hospitality and a reception tonight at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach, sponsored by Hyatt.