Hawaii Tourism Europe will be exhibiting at this year�s WTM in London. Visit the Hawaii Tourism Europe team on stand NA200 and learn more about the islands and participating partners including Destination Resorts, Kahala Resort, Aqua Hotels & Resorts, Turtle Bay Resort, Hilton Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Aston Hotels, Castle Resorts, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

With 2009 presenting challenges to international travel, Hawaii Tourism Europe, as part of its Strategic Plan to 2015, is working hard to promote Hawaii as offering unique, memorable and enriching visitor experiences whilst respecting Hawaii�s exceptional natural and cultural resources. Such activity aims to attract additional UK visitors to Hawaii in 2010.

Hawaii received a growing number of UK visitors in 2008, despite a worsening economic climate, reinforcing the fact that the islands still offer a strong draw for UK holiday makers looking for a unique long-haul destination. Total overall arrivals by air to Hawaii in 2008 dropped by 10.4% from the previous year to just over 6.7 million whilst European air arrivals saw a 6.6% increase on 2007, equating to 115,000 visitors, 47% of which were from the UK.

There are plenty of reasons why UK visitors will continue to choose Hawaii as a preferred long-haul destination in 2010 and beyond. The islands have much to offer to a wide range of tourists. Sun seekers can discover the winner of 2009�s America�s Best Beaches Awards, the fabulous Hanalei Bay on Kauai. With its dazzling backdrop of waterfalls, Hanalei Bay has been the inspiration for paintings, photo shoots and films for over 50 years, including the 1958 musical South Pacific.

British amateur astronomers have taken advantage of this year�s International Year of Astronomy, visiting Hawaii, considered the best location in the world for stargazing due to its remoteness and lack of air or light pollution, and staring at the heavens perched high atop Mauna Kea at the visitors centre on Hawaii�s Big Island.

Hawaii Tourism Europe also promotes the lesser known experiences of Hawaii to entice visitors looking for unique, off the beaten path experiences. Some of these include wine tasting in the shadow of a volcano on the Big Island, taking a helicopter ride over the second largest canyon in the Pacific, on Kauai, and getting close to Humpback whales between November and April.

All seasons have something to offer in Hawaii and with Christmas just around the corner, the festive season brings plenty to enjoy, from street parades, to rice cake making, golf championships and beaches bathed in sunshine. -ENDS-

Notes to Editors: For more information on Hawaii, please visit www.gohawaii.com/uk For media enquiries in the UK, including assistance with press trips, images and fact sheets:

Bronwen Batey Lemongrass Marketing - A place to grow t: +44 (0)1865 237 990 bronwen@lemongrassmarketing.com www.lemongrassmarketing.com