Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO) has concluded its annual Aloha Down Under roadshow, which ran from 16 to 24 September 2024, with events in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
The B2B roadshow brought together over 500 travel advisors and 13 leading suppliers, reinforcing the connection between Hawai‘i and the Oceania market.
The seven events across five cities showcased Hawaiian culture through live performances by duo Kuki and Nick Navales, hula dancer Sophie Kaina, and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.
This year’s format, which included theatre presentations and a free-flow travel expo, offered attendees more opportunities for networking and a chance to win holiday packages to the Hawaiian Islands.
HTO also introduced its new 2025 campaign, “The People. The Place. The Hawaiian Islands.”
The campaign emphasizes Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, inviting visitors to experience the islands beyond their scenic landscapes, focusing on the warmth of the local community. Tourism recovery efforts were discussed, with insights highlighting Australia’s strong repeat visitor rate of 55.4 per cent and an average stay of 8.8 days, with many travelers exploring beyond O‘ahu.
The roadshow fostered valuable connections between Hawaiian tourism suppliers, travel advisors, and media, setting the stage for future travel to the islands. Participating partners included major hospitality brands such as Prince Resorts Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger Resorts & Hotels, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
HTO expressed its gratitude to all partners and attendees for making Aloha Down Under 2024 a resounding success.
