Events

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Past Events

Aug 15, 2024

Informational Session on HTA Partnership Opportunities — Hawaii

Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i

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- Hawaii


Aug 15, 2024

Register here. Join us for an informational session as HTA is seeking community partnerships focused on supporting natural resources, culture, community festivals and signature events statewide through the Kahu ‘Āina, Kūkulu Ola, Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative, Community Enrichment, and Signature Events programs. HTA will engage with nonprofit organizations, community groups and practitioners to support projects and events occurring in Hawai‘i from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Learn more.

Aug 16, 2024

Informational Session on HTA Partnership Opportunities — Molokai

Lanikeha Community Center

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- Molokai


Aug 16, 2024

Register here. Join us for an informational session as HTA is seeking community partnerships focused on supporting natural resources, culture, community festivals and signature events statewide through the Kahu ‘Āina, Kūkulu Ola, Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative, Community Enrichment, and Signature Events programs. HTA will engage with nonprofit organizations, community groups and practitioners to support projects and events occurring in Hawai‘i from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Learn more.

Aug 19, 2024

Informational Session on HTA Partnership Opportunities — Lanai

Lāna‘i Youth Center

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- Lanai


Aug 19, 2024

Register here. Join us for an informational session as HTA is seeking community partnerships focused on supporting natural resources, culture, community festivals and signature events statewide through the Kahu ‘Āina, Kūkulu Ola, Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative, Community Enrichment, and Signature Events programs. HTA will engage with nonprofit organizations, community groups and practitioners to support projects and events occurring in Hawai‘i from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Learn more.

Aug 20, 2024

Informational Session on HTA Partnership Opportunities — Hawaii

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

More Information

- Hawaii


Aug 20, 2024

Register here. Join us for an informational session as HTA is seeking community partnerships focused on supporting natural resources, culture, community festivals and signature events statewide through the Kahu ‘Āina, Kūkulu Ola, Ho‘okipa Malihini Initiative, Community Enrichment, and Signature Events programs. HTA will engage with nonprofit organizations, community groups and practitioners to support projects and events occurring in Hawai‘i from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Learn more.

Aug 21, 2024

Connecting With/Within the Kaua‘i Visitor Industry — Kauai

Kaua‘i Community College

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- Kauai


Aug 21, 2024

Register here. The Foundational Technical Assistance Program by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is a foundational capacity building program that provides businesses and organizations with community workshops that are meant to lay a foundation for growth and expansion both into and within the visitor industry throughout Hawaiʻi.

This workshop focuses on establishing connections between attending businesses and organizations and the broader visitor industry throughout Kauaʻi. All attendees will learn from experts and success stories from within the industry. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to attend a resource fair with businesses and organizations that can help them grow internally and within the industry. Learn more.

Aug 26, 2024

Connecting With/Within the Hawai‘i Island Visitor Industry — Hawaii

La‘i‘ōpua 2020 Lānai

More Information

- Hawaii


Aug 26, 2024

Register here. The Foundational Technical Assistance Program by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is a foundational capacity building program that provides businesses and organizations with community workshops that are meant to lay a foundation for growth and expansion both into and within the visitor industry throughout Hawaiʻi.

This workshop focuses on establishing connections between attending businesses and organizations and the broader visitor industry throughout Hawaiʻi Island. All attendees will learn from experts and success stories from within the industry. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to attend a resource fair with businesses and organizations that can help them grow internally and within the industry. Learn more.

Aug 27, 2024

Deep Diving & Connecting with Culture in the Visitor Industry on Hawai‘i Island — Hawaii

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

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- Hawaii


Aug 27, 2024

Register here. The Foundational Technical Assistance Program by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is a foundational capacity building program that provides businesses and organizations with community workshops that are meant to lay a foundation for growth and expansion both into and within the visitor industry throughout Hawaiʻi.

This workshop brings together cultural experts and consultants from across the pae ʻāina to talk about the ways in which they have engaged with the visitor industry and share best practices for businesses in promoting and promulgating authentic cultural and historical incorporation throughout Hawaiʻi. For in-person attendees, the resource fair offers the opportunity to engage with visitor industry professionals who value cultural veneration, place-based knowledges, and ʻōlelo in their work within the industry. Learn more.

Sep 30, 2024

2024 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference — Oahu

Hawai‘i Convention Center

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- Oahu


Sep 30, 2024

Hawai‘i Convention Center


A special thank you to everyone who attended the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s 2024 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference

The Hawai‘i Tourism Conference was held from September 30–October 2 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, hosted by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority with premier conference partners Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, and Kilohana by CNHA. Click on the links below to view some of the conference presentations and recorded sessions.

Opening Remarks and Keynotes

  • Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green, M.D. (VIDEO)
  • Hawai‘i State Senate President Ronald Kouchi (VIDEO)
  • Hawai‘i State Senator Lynn DeCoite, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism (VIDEO)
  • Hawai‘i State Representative Sean Quinlan, Chair of the House Committee on Tourism (VIDEO)
  • Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism Deputy Director Dane Wicker (VIDEO)
  • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Interim President and CEO Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i (VIDEO)
  • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board Chair and Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO Mufi Hannemann (VIDEO)
  • Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Joe Sprague (VIDEO)
  • Keynote Presentation by Alex Lasry, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (VIDEO
  • Brand USA and Its Vision for International Travel to the U.S. presented by Fred Dixon, President & CEO of Brand USA (VIDEO)

General & Breakout Sessions

Day 1, Monday, September 30, 2024

  • Island By Island: Marketing Strategies Across Hawai‘i (PDF) - We've seen through our commitment to ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures principles that supporting community and engaging Hawaiʻi businesses better positions Hawaiʻi's people; through our Destination Management Action Plans, protecting natural resources allows the beauty of this place to flourish; and that when we share this kuleana with our visitors, each island has its unique needs and qualities. This panel takes you on a huakaʻi to each island to see what those unique needs and qualities are and how you can get involved.
  • Using Geolocation Insights to Drive Regenerative Tourism (PDF) - Join Evan Saunders, VP of Global Tourism and Hospitality at Azira, for this interactive workshop on using real-time, in-market behavior and insights to identify unique traveler audiences and promote critical sustainable tourism initiatives. Learn how these efforts can help manage tourist interactions with culture and natural resources, support community engagement, and manage tourism as visitors explore different destinations throughout the islands.
  • Lunch Panel General Session: Emerging Horizons: Leadership in Destination Marketing and Stewardship (VIDEO) - As the tourism landscape evolves, a new era of leadership is emerging—one that requires a balance between economic growth and the well-being of local communities. In this session, explore how collaboration and partnerships can create sustainable, regenerative tourism models. From innovative strategies that drive economic benefits to efforts that enhance the quality of life for residents, we’ll discuss how the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement are taking a holistic approach that benefit both local communities and visitors. Discover how forward-thinking leadership is paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future in tourism.
  • Emotional Solidarity: Co-Creating A Win-Win Host-Visitor Experience to Enhance Regenerative Tourism Demand and Support (PDF) - “Emotional Solidarity,” building deeper emotional connections between a destination’s residents and visitors, holds potential for generating a shared sense of welcoming, understanding and emotional closeness between the two groups. In turn, growing these connections strengthens resident sentiment and the visitor experience and the destination’s brand in the minds of travelers. Omnitrak has tapped into its syndicated national Resident Sentiment and TravelTrak America traveler research to show how Emotional Solidarity has the potential to be a win-win-win for residents, visitors and destinations.
  • Community-Driven Destination Management: The Transformation of Hā‘ena State Park (PDF) - Hā‘ena State Park is a pioneering example of community-driven management, resulting in a better visitor experience and a renewed sense of pride among residents. However, the journey wasn't without its challenges. This session  explors the successes and unanticipated consequences of Hā‘ena's management model, sharing best practices for community involvement in destination management. Learn what lies ahead for Hā‘ena and how its lessons can inform the future of other destinations.
  • A World Class Arts Destination: Current Offerings Throughout the Hawaiian Islands (PDF) - The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's (DBEDT) Visitor Satisfaction (VSAT) results for the first quarter of 2024 found that at least 90 percent of visitors from each target market rated Hawai‘i as having met or exceeded their expectations. Of those who participated in the study, seven out of ten visitors engaged in history, culture, and fine arts activities during their last visit. In this session, see what world-class art experiences our visitors and kamaʻāina can look forward to.
  • Integration of Mālama Hawai‘i Values Into Business Models & Tourism Products (PDF 1) (PDF 2)- Hear from industry leaders about how they incorporate traditional Hawaiian values of "Mālama" into their business models and tourism products. This involves embedding principles of respect, sustainability, and community well-being into their operations and offerings. By doing so, these businesses ensure that they not only honor cultural heritage but also positively impact local communities and the environment, fostering a more responsible and meaningful tourism experience. 

Day 2, Tuesday, October 1, 2024

  • General Session: Brand USA and its Vision for International Travel to the U.S. (VIDEO) (PDF) - A comprehensive global market update, offering valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the travel industry.
  • Outlook for Traditional Accommodations (PDF 1) (PDF 2) (PDF 3) - Join us for the return of the popular Traditional Accommodations Update. Chase Oeser from STR, Jason Gamel from ARDA, and Keith Vieira from KV & Associates Hospitality Consulting, LLC share the latest trends impacting hotels and timeshare and what this means for you in Hawai‘i.
  • HTA’s Qurator Program: Elevating Responsible Tourism in Hawaiʻi Workshop (PDF) - Explore the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's Qurator Program, a certification initiative promoting responsible tourism. Discover how the program guides businesses in environmental sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Hear from certified businesses about the benefits they've gained and learn how the program is shaping a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi's tourism. Gain insights on applying for Qurator certification and showcasing your commitment to responsible tourism practices.
  • Innovation and Insights: Advancing Sustainable Tourism and Community Well-being in Hawai‘i - Research from the TIM School (PDF) - Join us for the session organized by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Shidler College of Business, School of Travel Industry Management, where we explore groundbreaking research on improving sustainable tourism practices. This session covers critical topics including the enhancement of communities’ quality of life and destination residents’ well-being, talent management and workforce development, leveraging big data analytics to enhance sustainable tourism and transportation growth, and addressing human trafficking concerns within the industry. Discover how innovative and green strategies can bolster resident well-being and create a more resilient visitor industry across the Hawaiian Islands. Gain valuable insights from leading researchers dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for Hawai‘i's communities.
  • General Session: Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Overall Brand Marketing Strategies (VIDEO) - An overview of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority's overall brand marketing strategies heading into 2025.
  • General Session: 2025 Strategies, Major Campaigns - Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Global Marketing Team presents their 2025 Brand Marketing Plans, sharing market trends and marketing strategies across consumer, PR, and travel trade. The presentations also cover major campaigns and programs planned for the year.
  • General Session: Kilohana – Visitor Post-Arrival Marketing Program (VIDEO) (PDF) - Kilohana by CNHA shares their Visitor Education Post-Arrival Marketing Program activities for the upcoming year.

Day 3, Wednesday, October 2, 2024

  • General Session: Transportation Outlook into Hawai‘i (VIDEO) - Join Hawai‘i's Director of Transportation Ed Sniffen, Sean Williams from Airlines for America, Nanea Vasta from the Transportation Security Administration, Chris Hawkins from Customs & Border Protection, and Roy Pfund from Robert's Hawai‘i for an outlook on transportation to Hawai‘i.
  • Building a Thriving Visitor Economy: Developing Hawai‘i’s Visitor Industry Workforce Pipeline (VIDEO) - As Hawai‘i continues to evolve as a global tourism destination, the need for strategic and sustainable development within the visitor industry has never been more critical. This session focuses on the ongoing efforts to create and enhance pipelines that support the growth, resilience, and innovation of Hawai‘i's visitor industry sector. Join key stakeholders representing different sectors of the tourism industry as they share their insights on what needs to be done to ensure the long-term success of Hawai‘i's visitor industry workforce. Gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in building Hawai‘i's tourism pipeline.
  • State of the Industry in U.S. Market (VIDEO) (PDF) - How are the attitudes of U.S. Travelers changing? What are the trends impacting destination selection? Join us for insights into the domestic market and the latest findings from "The State of the American Traveler" study. The monthly study asks a representative sample of American travelers to report their experiences and feelings around travel.
  • General Session: 2025 Strategies, Major Campaigns - Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Global Marketing Team presents their 2025 Brand Marketing Plan, sharing market trends and marketing strategies across consumer, PR, and travel trade. The presentations also cover major campaigns and programs planned for the year.