HILO — In an effort to stimulate tourism to the United States’ 50th state, Norwegian Cruise Line, along with the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, hosted a private event earlier this month in Hilo.

Taking place at the Imiloa Astronomy Center, the event was attended by Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of NCL, Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, and State Representative Richard Onishi, who emphasized the need for tourism across the Hawaiian Islands.

Stuart, meanwhile, highlighted NCL’s longstanding support for the destination and its history of inter-island sailings from Honolulu 52 weeks each year. He also announced the company’s most recent effort to promote tourism – a new Free at Sea offer that provides free and reduced airfare from 37 airports across the U.S., as well as from Vancouver.

The limited-time promotion launched Oct. 4 with more details found at ncl.com.

“Our Pride of America sailings continue to be one of the most coveted itineraries we offer,” said Stuart. “We remain dedicated to this captivating destination, which is why we are inspiring travellers with this latest free air promotion. We want to encourage vacationers to take a closer look at Pride of America, Hawaii and all this paradise state has to offer.”

Each year, Norwegian Cruise Line draws over 111,000 travellers and adds close to US$436 million to the state’s economy. The company has been sailing its exclusive Pride of America seven-day, inter-island itinerary for the past 14 years.

Pride of America is the only U.S. flagged ship offering roundtrip cruises from Honolulu.

“We appreciate the continued commitment of Norwegian Cruise Line to showcase the island of Hawaii to its guests, especially considering the challenges in travel demand that Kilauea volcano’s latest lava flow created this past summer,” said Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau. “With most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park having reopened, visitors can now enjoy all that our majestic island has to offer. The air quality is clean and beautiful for all to enjoy, new nature-based experiences are available, and the weather will continue to be warm and welcoming throughout the fall and winter months.”

In addition to the private event in Hilo, Norwegian Cruise Line invited over 50 travel professionals to sail Pride of America and participate in curated itineraries designed to showcase the grandeur and uniqueness of each island.

“We are so proud to continue supporting this incredible destination by investing in this effort,” said Camille Olivere, senior vice president of sales, Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our travel partners are very important to us as they will be instrumental in not only driving guests to Pride of America but additional tourism to this beautiful state.”

For more information call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.