Hawai`i Tourism Oceania, Disney Destinations and Hawaiian Airlines invited a number of trade partners to a special screening of The Walt Disney Animation Studios much-anticipated new release film, Moana 2. And one lucky travel advisor walked away a winner!
At Sydney’s George Street Event Cinemas, a group of about 150 travel advisors and trade partners gathered on Friday evening to an event designed to say mahalo nui loa for all that advisors do to share the spirit of aloha and the magic of Hawai`i with their clients.
Members of team Karryon joined advisors (and their children) from Flight Centre, MTA, Travel Associates, TravelManagers, Helloworld, Hoot Holidays, Infinity, The Savvy Traveller and a number of independent consultants, along with Hawai`i Tourism Oceania, Disney Destinations and Hawaiian Airlines for pre-event nibbles and refreshments, before moving into a private theatre with popcorn buckets in hand.
The audience heard presentations from Andrea Robinson, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts about Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and its extensive facilities.
Hawai`i Tourism Oceania’s Anna Riedel, PR and Trade Account Manager also spoke to the crowd, expressing the tourism board’s messages of mahalo and thanks for all their support.
Speaking to Karryon, Riedel said the film’s message aligns closely with the values of people the Hawaiian Islands and other Polynesian cultures.
“Moana 2 celebrates the bond between people and nature, aligning with Hawaiʻi’s values of sustainability and cultural preservation. We hope it inspires travellers to explore the unique beauty and traditions of Polynesia, including the Hawaiian Islands, where visitors can experience the spirit of aloha and a deep connection to Pacific heritage,” said Anna Riedel.
Maria Alaveras, Director of Sales Oceania for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts also presented about Outrigger’s properties in the region, before handing to Andrew Stanbury, Managing Director of International and North America Sales, who promised to be brief, joking that he was aware he was the last person standing between a bunch of kids in the room and the film commencing.
He shared visuals and a video depicting the first of three Moana 2 themed livery designs on its Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring the titular wayfinder, shape-shifting demi-god Maui and the small-but-menacing Kakamora characters.
The themed planes will fly to HA’s international destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Cook Islands, American Samoa and Tahiti, through to March 2025. He said the Moana theme would run throughout the plane’s interiors too – with decals on overhead cabins and an on board virtual reality experience.
Next up it was prize time, which had everyone’s attention. The major prize included 200,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles, four nights at Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel; three nights at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, including a character breakfast and lūʻau; and a VIP package for two people at Wai Kai, West Oahu’s newest go-to water sports destination (includes all activities and lunch).
The lucky winner was Rebecca McCarthy from MTA Travel who declared as she took to the stage, “I haven’t won anything in my whole life!” Her mother who was there to witness the win was equally excited, and plans to be her travel buddy.
The crowd then settled in to enjoy the visually spectacular Moana 2 – and it was certainly worth the eight year wait from the first Moana release in 2016.
