Say Aloha to Booking Hawaii
Written by: Michelle on August 08, 2019
Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and beaches in the United States, Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers around the globe. Travel agents have long understood the lure of the islands and are key to providing their clients with a Hawaiian vacation tailored to their tastes and must-see locations. But how do they do it?
Qualifying Your Clients
Whether your clients are planning their first trip to the islands or their twenty-fifth trip, there’s always more to explore in the land of Aloha. It all starts with qualifying your clients. What are their must-dos? Do they want to go hiking through one of the state’s national parks or would they rather relax at the beach? Do they want to tour a pineapple farm, or would they rather see famous filming locations for movies like Jurassic Park?
It is also important to understand your clients’ background knowledge of Hawaii. They may say they only want to visit the Big Island, but the activities they are most interested in are on Kauai. Your clients may not be aware of how the inter-island travel will affect their accommodations, travel times, and overall cost of the trip.
Knowing the Islands
It’s important to start with the basics: the islands. One of the best places to start is GoHawaii.com, created by the Hawaiian Tourism Authority. This incredible site has stunning photographs and detailed information on activities and transportation on each island. There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii, which is sometimes called the Big Island. Each of these islands offers your clients different experiences. For example, Kauai is known for its dramatic scenery, while the island of Hawaii is home to active volcanoes and coffee farms.
One thing is for sure, no two Hawaiian experiences are exactly alike. It’s a destination that travelers want to visit again and again because each island has its own personality, unique experiences, and stunning landscapes.
Your research can focus on the elements your clients have asked for, or you may begin by getting a broad understanding of what the Hawaiian Islands has to offer your clients before diving into the specific requests of their trip. To start your research and connect the sights with names, you could check out the Hawaii episodes of your favorite travel show.
Of course, all this takes time! Be honest with your clients about the time you will need to research their trip, especially if you know it will take longer than usual for you to return to them with an itinerary.
Choosing a Travel Supplier
While many travel suppliers offer flights, transportation, and excursions throughout the Hawaiian Islands, not all travel suppliers are the same. Each supplier has relationships with companies that may or may not suit your clients’ vacation ideals. And for agents booking Hawaii for the first time, it’s important to choose a supplier who you feel confident in to help ensure a smooth trip for your clients.
Blue Sky Tours is a leading travel supplier for Hawaii and the South Pacific. Since 1981 they have been working exclusively with travel agents to create customized vacation packages for travelers to experience these incredible islands. Their team members are experts in the destinations they offer, and their vast network of connections allows agents to design their clients’ ideal trips from the more economical options to true luxury trips. To learn more about booking Hawaii through Blue Sky Tours, visit MyTravelAgentPortal.
If you love travel and are passionate about sharing the world with others, becoming a travel agent may be for you. To find out more about becoming a travel agent with KHM Travel Group, fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 1-888-611-1220.