Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Awards Contract for Visitor Education and Destination Brand Marketing & Management Services for Japan Market

For Immediate Release: November 15, 2022
HTA Release (22-22)

22-22 HTA Japan RFP Award_NR.pdf

New Three-year Contract Begins January 1, 2023

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency responsible for holistically managing tourism and enhancing The Hawaiian Islands brand globally, today announced it has awarded a contract for visitor education and destination brand marketing and management services for the Japan major market area.

HTA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) 23-01 for the Japan market on September 26. As part of the RFP process, presentations were made to an evaluation committee comprised of government and industry professionals. The contract was awarded to a.link LLC.

Guided by HTA’s mission to Mālama Ku‘u Home (care for our beloved home), its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, and the community-driven Destination Management Action Plans, the contractor’s work will support a regenerative model of tourism for Hawai‘i. Work performance will be measured against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in alignment with HTA’s Strategic Plan, including increased average daily visitor spending and increased total visitor spending.

HTA will negotiate a three-year contract with a.link LLC which will commence on January 1, 2023, and will end on December 31, 2025, with HTA having the option to extend the agreement for an additional two years.