Hawaii's Premier Resorts Showcased in Travel Advisors' Familiarization Trip

Travel advisors recently embarked on a nine-day familiarization trip across Hawaii, exploring the state's most iconic resorts and immersing themselves in its rich cultural and natural offerings. Organized by Dugan's Travels, the trip from February 24 to March 4, 2025, aimed to provide participants with comprehensive insights into Hawaii's premier hospitality options on Oahu and Maui, enabling them to offer more personalized and informed travel advice to their clients.

Participants stayed at renowned properties such as the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort, and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. They also conducted site inspections at other high-profile resorts including the Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, Ritz-Carlton Maui, Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. These experiences provided the advisors with a firsthand look at the accommodations and amenities available, crucial for crafting tailored travel experiences.

Beyond the resorts, the trip included unique cultural and adventure activities such as a private Pearl Harbor tour, a whale-watching excursion with Trilogy, and a traditional luau at Black Rock. These activities offered a deeper understanding of Hawaii's cultural landscape and natural beauty, enriching the advisors' knowledge and enabling them to recommend more meaningful experiences to their clients.

Jennifer Dugan, founder of Dugan's Travels, highlighted the significance of such immersive learning opportunities in the travel industry. By equipping travel advisors with firsthand knowledge and experiences, agencies can ensure their recommendations are not only well-informed but also highly personalized, catering to the diverse preferences of their clients. This approach not only enhances the quality of travel advice but also strengthens the competitive edge of travel agencies in a bustling industry.

The Hawaii familiarization trip exemplifies a strategic investment in professional development within the travel sector. By fostering a deeper connection between travel advisors and destinations, such initiatives pave the way for more sophisticated and customized travel planning, ultimately benefiting travelers seeking unique and memorable experiences.