All images courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority .
Left and above : Hawaii Convention Centre .
10,000 delegates for the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) World Conservation Congress .
Omura says the event helped the HCC team learn more about sustainable food and beverage practices .
“ As part of our normal facility practices , food waste from our kitchens is diverted to become local animal feed , however , the IUCN Congress took that practice of waste diversion one step further incorporating compost bins for collecting food scraps and using all compostable tableware ,” she says .
“ This was a great opportunity to learn how we may be able to implement similar programs into our future meetings and
convention operations .”
With Oahu generally attracting the majority of business events visitors , the state is now focussing on encouraging visitors to explore more of the six islands .
“ For us it ’ s very much about encouraging groups to travel further afield so they ’ re not just spending their time on Oahu ,” says Anderson .
“ This could be either taking their group or meeting to one of the other islands or organising some touring activities , whether as part of the group or on their own to encourage them to get out and visit the other islands .”
Hawaiian Airlines is getting on board too , encouraging Australian and New Zealand visitors to see more of Hawai ‘ i through their
HawaiianMiles frequent flyer program .
“ One trip to Hawai ‘ i and back will earn you enough points for a free inter-island trip the next time you go to Hawai ‘ i ,” says Weir .
Perhaps it ’ s the welcoming locals or the stunning climate , but there ’ s certainly something about Hawai ‘ i that keeps Australians going back .
“ Nearly one in two people will go back within five years and there ’ s a lot of people that go to Hawai ‘ i every single year ,” says Anderson .
Omura agrees , saying Hawai ‘ i ’ s unique location and warm hospitality “ inspires attendance ”.
“ Hawai ‘ i ’ s multilingual , multicultural population makes people from all around the world feel welcome ,” she says .
Lana ‘ i Maui Hawai ‘ i Island
Escape the crowds to this tranquil destination . Lana ‘ i is ideal for any group needing a secluded , private getaway with two luxury resorts on offer . See the otherworldly rock formations at Keahiakawelo or fourwheel drive amongst the pine trees along the Munro Trail .
Maui is an island of spectacular natural wonders , charming towns , incomparable golf , ocean sports and award-winning dining . Wake up early to catch the Haleakala sunrise , stroll through the historic hot spot of Lahaina town , or drive the long and winding road to Hana for spectacular scenery .
Commonly referred to as the Big Island , Hawai ‘ i is larger than all of the other islands combined . Its diverse landscape , unspoiled beauty and volcanic energy completes this chain of meeting destinations . The group activities are unmatched – from helicopter adventures over an active volcano , to tropical rainforest excursions that offer countless options for team-building activities and pre and post meeting relaxation .
www . cimmagazine . com Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 7 , 2016 21