Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association
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December 2006 newsletter:

hiwta logo
Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association Newsletter
Winter Newsletter
December 2006
Aloha!

Welcome to the first issue of the Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association Newsletter. We are delighted that you have joined this important alliance and we look forward to working with you as we begin to address the needs of our members. This newsletter contains a brief review of our progress thus far. As a member, you will receive quarterly news updates. We encourage everyone to actively participate in this association in whatever capacity possible. Please share your thoughts and ideas on how we can best support and move our industry ahead.

Please tell your friends and associates about HIWTA and encourage them to join our efforts. It's easy. Just click the "FORWARD EMAIL" option at the bottom of this email.

I look forward to hearing from you. Mahalo, Susanne Sims, President

Conference Speakers

Thanks to all who participated in and presented at the October conference on Health and Wellness Travel. Pictured here (L to R) are travel agent Susan Tanzman of Martin's Travel in Los Angeles, Susanne Sims of Healing Vacations in Hawaii, and Charlotte Novom of Novom Marketing and Public Relations, Hollywood, CA.From the many positive evaluation forms we received, it is evident that the day spent networking and discussing issues related to health and wellness travel was clearly worthwhile. We are especially grateful to The County of Hawaii, The Big Island Visitors Bureau, Five Mountains Hawaii, The Mauna Lani Resort, The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Hawaii Health Guide.com, and Holistic-Hawaii.com for their generous support of this event.

The day resulted in the formation of our association and a better understanding of the issues we must collectively address.



As we move ahead, it is important to consider what differentiates Hawaii Island from other wellness destinations around the world. Consider these following eight aspects of wellness travel which benefit the individual as well as our social, ecological and economic environment.

1) Pilgrimage to public sacred sites, with appropriate rituals and ceremony to set the intention for one's journey and to deeply connect with the spirit and sense of place.

2) Interaction and connection with local residents, culture and community. Involvement and support of Native Hawaiian elders who can share indigenous wisdom, guidance, education and cultural practices.

3) Health and wellness modalities and spa treatments, ranging from traditional Hawaiian, to east-west practices and more.

4) Ecotourism adventures combined with exercise and immersion in nature.

5) Healthy food choices that distinctly support locally grown, fresh and organic foods, health food stores, farmer's markets and restaurants.

6) A wide and diverse range of accommodations that provide a healing environment, including resorts, retreat centers, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts.

7) Locally made health products.

8) Ample down time for deep rest, integration and learning.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2007, we will be approaching the following projects:

WEB PAGE DEVELOPMENT
We are looking for a volunteer with web skills to help us establish this site. Our web page will include links to all members sites and will focus on helping visitors plan wellness vacations to Hawaii Island.

HVCB MEMBERSHIP
Our association will join the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Big Island Chapter, which will give us more exposure when our web page is linked to theirs. We will let members know about promotional opportunities available through the bureau.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
We would like to conduct an economic impact study to assess what our collective contribution to the Big Island's economy is.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS We need to look at producing a printed promotional piece that will list all members and serve as a guide for visitors and media.

STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
The drafting of standards and guidelines that members can adhere to, and that the public can be assured of, is of utmost importance.

INSURANCE
Research to find out about insurance programs for individuals and businesses.

MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
Membership development and outreach will be an on-going effort and a membership brochure/application will need to be created. (At this time we have 40 paid members.)

GRANTS
We are in the process of establishing our association as a non-profit corporation. Once this is complete, we will be eligible to apply for grants to assist with our projects.

If you would like to participate in any of these areas, please call 885-2181 or email nmi@aloha.net to let us know what you are available for. MAHALO!

Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association PO Box 6693 Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Phone (808) 885-2181


Susanne Sims
Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association
email: nmi@aloha.net


 
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