MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has introduced a program that provides visiting groups with the opportunity to give back and leave the Hawaiian Islands a better place when their business event has concluded.

HVCB’s Corporate Social Responsibility program was created to make business meetings in Hawaii even more worthwhile by offering groups meaningful volunteer service projects that contribute to the sustainability and “greenness” of the islands’ natural resources, while working alongside Hawaii residents committed to the same ideals.

Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, said, “Hawaii’s world-class facilities, strategic geographic location, natural beauty, and aloha spirit make us a one-of-a-kind destination and an ideal place to conduct business. HVCB’s new Corporate Social Responsibility program is an excellent opportunity to connect Hawaii non-profit agencies with business and meeting planners who are looking for volunteer opportunities to give back to the community during their stay, benefiting both our Hawaiian Islands and our visitors who will return home with a memorable and rewarding experience.”

The Corporate Social Responsibility program is the newest addition to HVCB’s business-friendly Added Value Resource Center, the innovative collection of eight programs and initiatives created for groups and planners to make meetings, conventions, and incentive events in Hawaii more affordable, effective, and beneficial.

Visiting groups can use the Corporate Social Responsibility program to choose from a variety of volunteer service projects statewide, most of which are designed to improve the vibrancy and sustainability of Hawaii’s environment.

An added bonus is that groups will often be “working” in the midst of beautiful tropical settings – in places well off the beaten path of tourist hotspots, but essential to preserving Hawaii’s natural surroundings.

“Being green, sustainable, and socially responsible is an expectation in today’s meetings industry and being able to accomplish this in Hawaii makes doing business here an even more rewarding experience,” said Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, vice president of sales and marketing for HVCB’s corporate meetings and incentives division.

“Groups coming here are inspired by Hawaii’s natural environment and this new program presents them with an opportunity to give back and generously share their time and energy to help keep the Hawaiian Islands beautiful and thriving for those who follow,” Murray said.

Added Value Resource Center

HVCB created the Added Value Resource Center with input from its Island Chapter Bureaus representing Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, and industry partners statewide to support travel budgets for business meetings and events in the Hawaiian Islands.

In addition to the new Corporate Social Responsibility program, the following are seven other value-added initiatives available to groups wanting to hold business events in Hawaii.

* Hot Rates, Hot Dates! offers special savings on accommodations and activities at hotels and resorts statewide through 2011.

* Hawaii Free lists more than 100 free activities to enjoy in the islands that meeting planners can incorporate into event itineraries and save on costs.

* Hawaii Value-Added provides meeting attendees with special savings on retail goods and activities in partnership with Retail Merchants of Hawaii and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii.

* Booking Advantage allows groups to select a free product or service from a participating HVCB member, based on the booking of peak room nights.

* DMC Offer lets planners utilize a variety of services provided by Hawaii’s Destination Management Companies (DMC) for free or at a discounted rate.

* Hawaii Speakers Bureau is a listing of elite Hawaii-based leaders that can share their expertise with groups meeting in the islands on various subjects, including medicine, scientific research, technology, and Asian affairs.

* Green Hawaii provides planners and groups with an island-by-island listing of eco-friendly programs initiated by resort properties and activity providers.

— Find out more:
www.BusinessAloha.com