WTS has these international conventions so that
a) the JW's that actually have money can spend it "theocratically" and stay captives to the Borg.
b) the JW's that can scrape up money for a vacation don't start enjoying themselves on that vacation, but still feel special because they attended a convention.
c) the big important JW's can have a good excuse to go to Hawaii and catch some sun.
The price tag sounds awefully high. I could get two people onto a 7-day cruise around the islands (meals included) and airfare during the December holiday break for close to that amount mentioned in the article- over $4000 per person. Deals on PRIDE OF AMERICA, Norweigan Cruise lines will put two people into a cabin for 7 days starting Dec. 19th for just over $1000 per person, about $900 per person if you go Dec. 26th. Airfare would be close to $1000 per person (a wee bit higher perhaps). So the news stating how it will average so much is way out of line. I know WTS finds them terrible deals, but I can't imagine it's that bad. They are up against the American holiday, Thanksgiving, but it's still out of whack. Last minute deals for November are even better because people just aren't spending it this year.
I knew some people that went to a convention in Hawaii. They wished they had more time to see the place. I had to hold my tongue and not suggest that they DID HAVE MORE TIME, but wasted it in conventions.