Press Releases

Kona Kohala Chamber Of Commerce Awards Kona Village 2008 Visitor Industry Marketing Award

06/30/2008

Ka`upulehu, Big Island, Hawai`i – Kona Village does not let its small size and “unplugged” environment deter it from achieving extensive national and international exposure. The resort’s marketing efforts were cited among reasons why the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce presented Kona Village with its annual Pualu Community Service and Business Leadership Award for Visitor Industry Marketing.

The 125 room resort on the Kohala Coast has managed within the past year alone to host film crews from The Fine Living Network (All Girl Getaways), The Food Network (Food Network Caters Your Hawaiian Wedding and Dinner Impossible) and The Travel Channel (1,000 Places to See Before You Die and EcoLuxe series) to film at the resort.

Each television production represented programming to millions of viewers that will promote Kona Village’s messages of environmental friendliness, luxury travel, Hawaiian culture, and heritage in a variety of ways.

“By hosting national film crews, Kona Village not only markets itself but promotes travel to the entire Big Island,” said Rodger MacDonald, resort director of sales and marketing. “The image of Kona Village and the overall island is enhanced exponentially, a broader audience reach is achieved and this kind of marketing is absolutely vital in these challenging economic times.”

MacDonald went on to say that since Kona Village is an extremely “visual” resort, television is an excellent avenue for showcasing the resort’s biggest assets, namely its thatched-roof hale and oceanfront setting at Kahuwai Bay.

National and international print coverage has included Modern Bride and The Knot bridal magazines, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego city magazines, the Chicago Tribune newspaper, Luxury Travel Advisor, Hana Hou, Islands, Modern Luxury and National Geographic magazines to name a few.

Through April 2008 Kona Village’s efforts have resulted in more than 100,000 million print and film impressions and more than $1.5 million in advertising equivalency.

About Kona Village
Kona Village occupies 82 expansive acres along the Big Island’s Kona-Kohala Coast. Once the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village the resort is now home to 125 individual thatched-roof bungalows nestled around lush lagoons and beaches of white and black sand. Fronting the marine preserve of Kahuwai Bay guests enjoy snorkeling and diving with spectacular viewing of Hawai‘i’s dazzling marine life. Rates include oceanfront dining with island-inspired meals along with numerous activities and water sports. A centuries-old petroglyph field of ancient markings reflects the area’s history. Kona International Airport is a brief 10-minute drive away and a world apart. Kona Village was rated among Hawaii’s top 25 hotels by Travel+Leisure Magazine, has appeared numerous times on Conde Nast Traveler’s “World’s Best Places to Stay” and the magazine’s Gold List (most recently in 2008) and was listed by Forbes.com among the top ten luxury family resorts in the U. S. Visit: www.konavillage.com

Contact:
Rodger MacDonald, Director of Sales & Marketing
Rodger@KonaVillage.com
Vicky Kometani, Current Events
Vicky@current-events.com