The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau and industry professionals are playing host to a conference of travel journalists next week aiming to spotlight the latest in island travel to a group with the potential to influence many visitors.

John Monahan, HVCB president and CEO, said 84 member journalists of the Society of American Travel Writers' Western Chapter will stay in Waikiki from Monday through Friday for the organization's annual meeting.

He said the conference is part of HVCB's campaign to show off the many improvements in Waikiki to one of the nation's most influential groups of travel journalists. He said the same organization brought a national group here in 2002 and the effort generated at least 130 articles.

"You get a whole lot of coverage," he said. And that multiplier effect makes the group more valuable to the bureau than some conferences "because of the reach that they'll give us for years and years and years."

Monahan said the bureau hopes to emphasize some of the diverse experiences found here as well as the renovations in Waikiki, including the Beach Walk redevelopment and new restaurants that include celebrity chef Nobu and Roy's.

"These writers typically want to know what's new," Monahan said. These writers appear in publications that range from daily newspapers and monthly magazines to trade papers and guide books.

Monahan said many of the journalists have signed up for pre-and post-conference stays on the Neighbor Islands, which should result in more exposure for the entire state.

The journalists, plus 27 associate members, will be headquartered at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, where they will hold their professional development sessions.

"Waikiki is one of the world's favorite travel destinations and we are very pleased that HVCB offered the opportunity for our members to experience its renewal firsthand," said Stan Wawer, chair of the western chapter.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.