MAUI -- The island of Maui already relies on travel agents for 65%
of all its visitor business, according to Marsha Wienert, executive
director of the Maui Visitors Bureau.
So, agents savvy enough to focus on the destination that
recently was named "Best Island" by Conde Nast Traveler -- for the
ninth straight year -- will be happy to learn there's a new way to
make money while serving clients.
It's often difficult to convince clients to book activities
early. What will the weather be like? What if we don't feel like
biking down Haleakala?
But some luaus book three to four weeks out in the busy season,
said Toni Marie Davis, executive director of the Maui Activities
& Attractions Association.
Soon there will be a system that can help agents make sure their
clients don't miss the fun.
The Activities & Attractions Association's Web site, which
is located at www.hawaiifun.org, still is a work in progress but
already is brimming with information on what to do in Maui.
It will include everything from helicopter tours to bicycle and
snorkeling excursions.
The site also specifies availability and prices, enables agents
to make reservations for clients and automatically calculates 15%
commission on the sale.
All the information is posted by the owners of the businesses,
according to Davis.
"Who knows it better [than the owners]?" said Davis, who added
that all details are accurate and in real time.
Agents need only log on with a user name and password, choose
the products, check availability, then confirm and pay with the
client's credit card. The ticket comes with a voucher, a map and
instructions on what to wear or bring.
Retailers who frequently book certain activities will be able to
post these activities on their own Web sites.
Some agents remain skeptical that discounts offered at
tour-orientation breakfasts and at the venue may undermine the
client's faith in the agent's ability to secure the lowest
prices.
"You've got to be careful," said Chuck Bassin, manager of Kona
Kai Travel in La Jolla, Calif. "You can't have people say, 'I was
walking down the street and got the same thing for $20.' "
He said his agency will avoid the Web site until pricing becomes
more consistent because "we don't need the aggravation."
"Yeah, we lose a commission, but we save a client."
However, Bassin said he remains hopeful for the site's
future.
"If they can control the pricing, it would definitely work," he
said. "It would be great. We would sell the heck out of it."
Davis readily admits the Web site is still in its infancy. She
said she welcomes feedback from agents, acknowledges agents'
concerns and will attempt to distinguish which companies guarantee
price integrity.
"I think that's the goal," said Wienert.
But travelers who plan to get a better deal on their own when
they arrive on Maui may be disappointed. Many of the best shows
often are sold out.
Consequently, Wienert said she believes that guaranteed
attendance offers enough added value to compensate for the system's
growing pains.
The good news is that all operators have committed to a minimum
of 15% commission.
For more information, call (800) 525-MAUI, visit the new site at
www.hawaiifun.org or go to www.visitmaui.com.