With the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) just a few days away, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the APEC 2011 Hawai'i Host Committee, headed by Chair Peter Ho and Executive Vice Chair Timothy Johns, as well as Governor Neil Abercrombie, Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz, Mayor Peter Carlisle and each and every one of the staff and volunteers who have played such an integral role in the planning and execution of APEC 2011. I would like to especially recognize Dr. Charles Morrison, president of the East-West Center and Priscilla Texeira, who were instrumental in the application process that secured Hawai'i as the APEC 2011 host state. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support from the visitor industry, community and public and private partnerships - a big mahalo to all of you. Your collective efforts have helped our state realize this great opportunity. APEC provides us with an outstanding platform to showcase Hawai'i as a world-class meetings destination, as well as an opportunity to highlight Hawai'i's diverse cultural heritage, innovations, people and aloha spirit.

As we prepare to welcome the APEC delegates and attendees to our islands, our visitor industry professionals will be proudly representing our community and culture, sharing with our guests the essence of Hawai'i's spirit of aloha - a quality recognized worldwide. We will also be represented by the more than 1,000 community volunteers who have been trained in the areas of Hawaiian culture and hospitality and are dedicated to providing an exceptional visitor experience.

We anticipate that the APEC meetings will generate more than $120M in direct spending and more than $7M in tax revenue. With our strategic location in the middle of the Pacific, our Hawaiian Islands are ideally positioned - culturally and geographically - to host a meeting of such magnitude.

We appreciate the public's understanding and patience regarding the limitations of access from Nov. 7-13, during APEC Leaders' Week, and anticipate these security measures to have minimal impact on the visitor experience. Most of the security and traffic restrictions will be limited to Veteran's Day weekend, Friday - Sunday, Nov. 11-13. For the most current and detailed information, please visit the City and County of Honolulu's website, the Honolulu Police Department's website, or the APEC 2011 Hawai'i Host Committee's website.

The HTA recognizes the important role conventions and meetings play in supporting Hawai'i's tourism market and visitor industry. Together with our marketing partners, the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau and Hawai'i Convention Center, the HTA remains committed to promoting the Hawaiian Islands as the principal destination to conduct business and host meetings, and looks forward to capitalizing on the worldwide interest that has been generated through creating new opportunities for our local community.

Once again, mahalo nui loa to everyone for your efforts throughout this past year. Your commitment and involvement have helped our state realize an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will benefit our community for generations to come.

With my sincere respect and aloha,

Mike McCartney

President and CEO, HTA

Member, APEC 2011 Hawai'i Host Committee