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Message from George D. Szigeti
President & CEO
Hawaii Tourism Authority
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Aloha kakou,
Last week, HTA released its visitor statistics for September and the results were superb.
Hawaii enjoyed its best September ever for visitor arrivals and spending, ensuring that our tourism industry achieved its best first three quarters ever, with arrivals at 6.7 million and spending at $11.6 billion.
While this is great news for supporting businesses and jobs statewide, we can never overlook how valuable these results are to the State of Hawaii's tax revenue base.
Through the first three quarters of 2016, Hawaii’s tourism industry generated $1.24 billion in state tax revenue – also the best ever for this timeframe – an increase of nearly $44 million over last year. This revenue is vital to our State’s economic health and its ability to provide the services all of our communities need.
The fourth quarter is looking strong with several premier events, like the Ironman Triathlon, Hawaii Open, Honolulu Marathon, and 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration bringing global attention to the warmth, beauty and aloha spirit of our islands.
Mahalo to all of tourism’s stakeholders for your continued support of our most important industry.
With Warmest Aloha,
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November 11
November 4
November 10
November 12
November 13
HAWAII ISLAND
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Recap of the Hawaii Tourism Conference Sept. 26-30, 2016
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The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) took some aggressive steps to expand this year’s conference, completely restructure its format, and concentrate its focus on providing attendees with industry insight while allowing them to voice their opinions on Hawaii’s tourism future.
The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly favorable, particularly the opportunities for networking, collaborating and planning for the future.
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the Hawaii Tourism Conference. We hope to see you next year.
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Key Facts - New, more interactive format; Expanded to a full week - 2,100 participants – 75% more than last year - 79 sessions and events – the most ever by far - Local, national and international speakers - 59 exhibitors – the first year exhibit booths have been displayed
Highlights - 18 nations represented - 200 travel industry partners for Japan - 62 travel partners from China - Tourism Legacy Awards Honored Buffalo Keaulana and George Downing
Special Features - Airline Summit: Attended by 30+ airline executives - Island FAM Tours (Sept. 26) - A.M. Aloha Activities and Evening Ohana Time (Sept. 27-29)
Marketing Hawaii - Hawaii VR: New Virtual Reality Marketing Program - Discover Your Aloha: New Facial Recognition Marketing Program - Presented HTA’s 2017 Global Marketing Plans
SAVE THE DATE 2017 Hawaii Tourism Conference: September 19-21, 2017
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HTA’s Aha Mele Hosts Free Hawaiian Music Concert at Washington Place
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On October 22, the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Aha Mele Hawaiian Music Series held its first event at Washington Place. This edition of the Aha Mele was themed a celebration of Washington Place and a musical tribute to Queen Liliuokalani and her family.
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The free concert featured live entertainment from Halau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea under the direction of Kumu Hula Kapua Dalire-Moe, Kuuipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders, Palani Vaughan & The King’s Own, and a special appearance by the students of Turnaround Arts Hawaii’s Kamaile Academy Public Charter School.
Guests were also treated to a surprise appearance by multi-award winning artists Lehua Kalima and Sean Pimental.
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Built in 1847, Washington Place is best known as the home of Queen Liliuokalani. For more than 160 years Washington Place has remained at the center of social and political life in Hawaii. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2007, the home was once the official residence for the Governor of Hawaii.
The Aha Mele was a great success while serving as part of a larger effort, led by First Lady Dawn Ige, to open the doors of the historic home for the public to see the Queen’s residence.
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Hawaiian Islands Featured at
JATA Tourism EXPO
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Under Brand USA, Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ) participated in Asia¹s largest travel trade showcase, JATA Tourism EXPO Japan 2016, to promote Hawaii and HTJ's current initiatives to the event’s more than 185,800 attendees.
JATA Tourism EXPO Japan has been globally recognized as an established comprehensive tourism event entailing B2B and B2C business opportunities.
HTJ, which attended the expo from September 23 to 25, collaborated with Hawaii Promotion Committee Japan members to showcase 25 industry partners, including hotels, attractions, rental car companies and more with a goal of effectively promoting Hawaii's offering to attendees.
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Study Hawaii Edu-Tourism Blitz:
Tokyo, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Nagasaki
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In a collaborative effort between the State of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and Department of Education, and Hawaii Tourism Japan, HTJ traveled to Japan with 16 Hawaii delegates including First Lady Dawn Ige and key delegates from Hawaii Pacific University and University of Hawaii Manoa.
The blitz raised awareness about increasing edu-tourism business between Japan and Hawaii.
Major events during the September 7 to 17 blitz included meeting with the Tokyo Ministry of Education; courtesy visits with the governor and Prefectural Assembly in Hiroshima and Fukuoka; eight school visits in Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki; and four trade show events for students, school faculty and travel agents.
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Hawaii Tourism Japan Brings Four FAM tours to the Hawaiian Islands in September
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Hawaii Tourism Japan collaborated with industry partners, including China Airlines, to host four FAM tours in September.
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A total of 55 travel agents participated in the tour designed to give them a better understanding of Oahu's current offerings with the intention of developing more diverse products for future Japanese travelers.The agents also attended various sessions at the Hawaii Tourism Conference.
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Developing New Japan Business a Focus at
Hawaii Tourism Conference
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Hawaii Tourism Japan assembled more than 100 Japanese travel related personnel to attend the Japan Business Development Track session at the Hawaii Tourism Conference on September 29.
The session included five speakers presenting major topics and changes affecting Japanese travel. Tourism conference attendees engaged with the speakers in finding ways to collaborate for future promotions.
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Hawaii Tourism China Mega FAM in September
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Hawaii Tourism China (HTC) brought a Mega FAM of 62 delegates to the Hawaiian Islands during the Hawaii Tourism Conference, visiting multiple islands between September 22 and 30.
The group included airline representatives, top wholesalers, key travel agencies and major OTAs from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Dalian. China’s top digital media outlets Tencent and iQiyi were also invited.
The group visited Oahu, the Island of Hawaii, Maui County and Kauai to become familiarized with each and understand the ease of island dispersal.
They also conducted site inspections of 19 hotels and more than 100 scenic spots and attractions to gain inspiration for new products for their customers.
During the FAM, the group also joined Hawaii International Health and Wellness Ambassador Master Ren Guangyi for group sunrise tai chi and attended B2B Shirtsleeve Sessions held at the Hawaii Tourism Conference.
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Sunrise Tai Chi by Master Ren Guangyi
International Health and Wellness Ambassador of Hawaii
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Master Ren Guangyi, an internationally renowned Chinese tai chi master, was officially appointed by Hawaii Tourism China (HTC) as International Health and Wellness Ambassador. On September 27, the Hawaii Tourism Conference’s first day, Master Ren led a group of 100 people – including Chinese delegates and the local tai chi community – in Hawaii-inspired sunrise tai chi movements against a breathtaking backdrop. HTC also filmed Master Ren leading tai chi at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina for CCTV, China’s national TV station, with a goal of promoting Hawaii to audiences throughout China.
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2016 Hawaii Crystal Run in Taiwan
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At 6 a.m. on September 3, Hawaii Tourism Taiwan Director Andrew Koh fired a starting pistol launching the first group of runners on a 24.5 kilometer (15.2 mile) course from the Fullon Hotel. The 2016 Hawaii Crystal Run officially kicked off with 12 sponsors representing well-known consumer brands, a slate of Hawaii performers, and more than 5,100 runners.
Six backdrops with images representing the islands of Hawaii were placed at rest stop stations along the route for photo opportunities.
Dance and ukulele performances from Kalani Poomaihealani, accompanied by Lei Queen Morishita Sachiko from Japan, and hula by Taiwanese Halau Nanihula and Miss Hawaii 2009 Aureana Tseu continued until most of the runners reached the finish line.
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Hawaiian Islands Featured as No. 1
Destination by Korea’s
SMTown Travel
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Korea's SM Entertainment celebrated its 20th anniversary in Hawaii with a team of more than 400 staff, artists, management and crew from August 28 to 31, with Hawaii Tourism Korea developing K-Pop Hawaii tour packages and online promotions.
Founded in 1995, SM Entertainment operates a record label and the travel agency SMTown Travel. It is also an event management company and concert producer.
The company's musical artists include the successful groups BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee and Exo.
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Successful Hawaii Media Forum in Korea
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On October 11, Hawaii Tourism Korea (HTK) successfully wrapped up a Hawaii Media Forum in Seoul attended by top-level guest panels representing broadcast, print and social media, and Hawaii partners including the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Waikiki Trolley, Polynesian Cultural Center and Battleship Missouri Memorial.
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With a new anti-graft law implemented, HTK needed to combine a media forum and media night into one event.
The event began with HTK screening a highlight video of its activities, sharing with partners its efforts in promoting Hawaii in the Korean market. Ms. Mina, a renowned travel writer, served as moderator of the event, facilitating discussions on evolving personal experiences in Hawaii, the current Korean media landscape, and ways to work with local partners.
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Hawaiian Islands Showcased to 25,000 Attendees at MATTA Fair, Malaysia
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The Hawaiian Islands were a featured destination at the Malaysian Association Tours and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 2 to 4.
Hawaii Tourism Southeast Asia (HTSEA) partnered with the United States embassy in Malaysia to showcase the islands of Hawaii to countries in Southeast Asia. The travel fair attracted more than 25,000 attendees over the three days, with many of them gathering information and knowledge from the HTSEA team about the tourism opportunities offered by the Hawaiian Islands.
HTSEA also participated in the pre-MATTA Fair press conference on August 22, sharing information about the islands with 30 media representatives.
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Keep in touch with HTA via social media:
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HTA recognizes the use of the 'okina ['] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai'i such as Lāna'i). However, HTA respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses. Due to technological limitations, this current communication may not include all Hawaiian diacritical markings.
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