A new Web-based education program helps Mainland travel agents learn more about Hawai'i, from the names of the mountain ranges to some good spots to snorkel — on O'ahu, not just Hanauma Bay but also Pupukea's Shark's Cove and Three Tables.

The free program includes geography, some history, activities, a wide variety of information available free to travel agents with the idea that they'll do a better job selling the Islands as a destination if they know more about the place, according to the program's creator, the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The "Island Graduate" certification program offers six island-specific, self-study training courses online at www.Agents.GoHawaii.com covering Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Maui and the Big Island. All six courses can be completed in an average of three to four hours.

California travel agent Sandra Peters works for Modesto Travel Co. As soon as she heard about the new educational opportunity, she started taking the courses.

"It's worth the time and effort," she said

Peters said she specializes in sending travelers to Hawai'i and Mexico and finds the format useful.

"I highly recommend it. Anytime you can take these kinds of online tests, there's always going to be one or two items that you're not aware of," she said.

Peters liked the geography, the updates on the changes in Waikiki and the opportunity to gain a little additional expertise.

She said the variety of information helps travel agents like her offer a variety of activities to match the interests of their customers.

She supplements the Web information with trips to Hawai'i and her own research.

"We take a whole lot of photos. We do independent site inspections," so people can see not just the scenery but even the decor in the hotel room they are considering or what coffee shops or restaurants are nearby.

She said the additional information can help tilt an undecided traveler to Hawai'i. Concerns about a possible recession have caused more Mainland travelers to consider trips to Mexico, where many resorts have an all-inclusive deal that includes food and activities as well as lodging.

Based in Bellevue, Wash., near Seattle, HVCB's Julie Zadeh serves as managing director of travel trade marketing. She's been in the travel business for about 25 years and said the online program grew out of a basic course called "Ke Kula O Hawai'i."

While that class provided general information, the new program adds detail for each island. "It gives them a good solid list of insider tips at the island level."

Zadeh said travel agents remain a critical part of the travel/tourism industry even though the Internet has grown in influence over the past decade.

"A few years ago everyone thought the travel agency was a dying breed," she said. But while some people are comfortable buying their travel online, often busy people prefer to have an agent do some of the work for them.

"We saw a need for a more in-depth class," Zadeh said, especially with increased competition from Mexico and other travel destinations. Travel agents can share more if they have updated information at their fingertips, she said.

"The more they know about the Islands, the better."

In Beaverton, Ore., travel agent Jennifer Eiffert works for Sun Connections Travel & Cruise. She has traveled to Hawai'i a dozen times herself and been in the industry for 11 years.

She estimates about 25 percent of her clients go to Hawai'i so she took all six courses since they became available in December.

Eiffert said it proved a good refresher for her and helped someone new to the business as well. "It was a good test."

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.