HVCB
SHOWCASING HAWAII TO PROMOTE 2002 CONVENTION AT AMERICAN
SOCIETY OF TRAVEL AGENTS WORLD CONGRESS
Governor Cayetano and HVCB Will
Share Aloha on Behalf of the People of the Islands with
New York City
HONOLULU:
Governor Benjamin Cayetano will participate with a
delegation from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
(HVCB) at the 2001 American Society of Travel Agents
World Congress in New York City from November 4-7 at the
Jacob K. Javits Center.
Hawaii's participation is a
prelude to the 2002 gathering that will be held in the
Islands at the Hawaii Convention Center. ASTA is
the largest international association of travel
professionals. This year's ASTA convention was originally
scheduled for Seville, Spain, but was relocated to New
York following the events of September 11. Approximately
2,000 delegates are expected to attend.
As the host site for ASTA's 2002
World Congress, November 3-8, 2002, Hawaii's presentation
in New York will give attendees a preview of the
experiences of the Islands, and begin to build interest
in next year's convention.
"With
the challenges confronting Hawaii's tourism industry, I'm
pleased to personally demonstrate the state's commitment
to host next year's convention and encourage all ASTA
members to attend," said Governor Cayetano.
The governor will be joined by
First Lady Vicky Cayetano along with the HVCB and its
Island Chapters, and more than 40 tourism industry
partners from throughout the state. The HVCB is
sponsoring a major trade pavilion with an impressive
3,000-sq. ft. exhibit featuring entertainment, Island
delicacies by Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs Russell Siu
and D.K. Kodama, made-in-Hawaii food products, and Hawaii
suppliers.
Entertainment will feature the
award-winning music of the Brothers Cazimero, and hula
performances by 2001 Merrie Monarch winners Hula Halau o
Kawailiula, under the direction of Kumu Hula Master
Chinky Mahoe.
"ASTA's endorsement of Hawaii is
vital to enhancing our awareness with travelers as one of
the world's preferred leisure and business destinations,"
said Tony Vericella, HVCB's president and chief executive
officer. "We're giving these influential travel
professionals a sampling of the Islands' legendary appeal
to create excitement for next year's
convention."
While attending ASTA, Governor
Cayetano and HVCB will "share Hawaii's Aloha" through a
number of special presentations.
On Monday, November 5, a "Lei of
Aloha" program featuring handmade paper lei made by the
children of Hawaii will be presented to 1,000 children
attending Public School No. 130 in Manhattan. The
Governor and Mrs. Cayetano will lead a delegation of
representatives at a special school assembly.
In lieu of ASTA's final night
festivities, traditionally hosted by the next year's host
site, Hawaii will present a check to the NYC Police and
Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund in the amount of
$125,000, and will present each ASTA delegate and
supplier with an American Express "Be My Guest Card" in
the amount of $75 (encouraging them to dine out on
Tuesday, November 6 in one of New York's
restaurants).
In addition, Hawai'i will extend
an invitation to members of the NYC Fire Department,
Police Department, Emergency Service workers, State Port
Authority Police and operations staff, or other recovery
effort workers to visit the Islands.
600 trips on two specially
chartered Hawaiian Airlines planes will be made available
from December 3 through December 10. Those selected
by New York City officials to make the trip will be
invited guests at special Pearl Harbor 60th anniversary
events on December 7, and will be honored during halftime
activities at the December 8 University of Hawaii-Brigham
Young University football game.
"Hawaii's people have always been
very generous whenever there is a need," Governor
Cayetano said. "This time is no different even as
we take steps to help our own people who are struggling.
We are honored to help the survivors of the brave
fire, police and other rescue workers who gave their
lives to save others from harm."
"Hawaii's heartfelt gestures have
the support of ASTA, and are in line with the message
they sent when the decision was made to relocate this
year's world congress from Spain to New York," said
Vericella.
With 26,000 members, ASTA is the
world's largest association of travel professionals and
includes travel agents, as well as companies whose
products they sell such as tours, hotels, and car
rentals.
For more information about Hawaii,
the Islands of Aloha, visit HVCB's Web site at
www.gohawaii.com or call 1.800.GOHAWAII.
