HTA May E-Bulletin

Tourism in Hawai'i is more than an industry. In addition to being a leading generator of jobs, it serves as a bridge for economic diversification and is responsible for our quality of life in Hawai'i.

Tourism is on pace to support more than 166,000 jobs annually and contribute $37 million daily into our economy in 2012. These out-of-state dollars support kama'āina businesses, create new industries and help our counties to improve roadways and beautify parks. These monies also support Hawai'i Tourism Authority programs that celebrate, perpetuate and sustain our unique place, people and diverse cultures.

All of us are directly or indirectly part of Hawai'i's hospitality industry. When we stop to give visitors directions, share with them a recommendation on where to eat, interact at a festival or sports event, or smile in warm greeting, we all contribute to sharing our aloha spirit.

The thousands of men and women who directly work in Hawai'i's hospitality industry provide world-class service to Hawai'i's guests-from the moment a visitor steps off the plane at the airport, arrives at their hotel, walks into a shop, and visits an attraction, until their departure. They work 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, including holidays, to ensure each of the millions of visitors who come to the Hawaiian Islands have a memorable experience.

LEI Program Inspires Youth to Pursue Hospitality Industry Careers

On April 25, the HTA, in partnership with nonprofit organization ClimbHi, launched LEI, a new workforce development program that targeted 300 students from economically disadvantaged areas of O'ahu. LEI represents an opportunity for Leadership, Exploration and Inspiration from the student's and hospitality industry's perspectives.

HTA Receives Additional Funding to Focus on Asia-Pacific Region

The 2012 Hawai'i State Legislature approved an additional $2 million f State Seal or fiscal years 2013 through 2015 for the HTA. The funds will be utilized for the HTA to put forth additional marketing efforts and increase Hawai'i's presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Mahalo to the House and Senate who unanimously voted in support of SB 490 that will provide the HTA with the additional funds," said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the HTA. "Their unwavering leadership will help to diversify Hawai'i's tourism economy and make us more globally competitive."

American Association of Orthodontists Brings more than 14,500 to Hawai'i

Photo Credit: American Association of Orthodontists

More than 14,500 participants attended the American Association of Orthodontists' 112th Annual Session, making it the largest event of the year for the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) returned to Hawai'i from May 4-8 for its 112th Annual Session, the largest meeting of 2012 for the Hawai'i Convention Center. More than 14,500 attendees from 65 countries, including 400 delegates from the Pacific Rim region, gathered to attend the Annual Session, which also offered post-conference educational meetings on O'ahu, Maui and Kaua'i.

Save the Date!

Mele Mei

May 1-31, 2012

Venues throughout Waikīkī

Check out the various events happening throughout Waikīkī to celebrate Hawaiian music during the month of May.
For a list of events, please visit www.melemei.com.

'Ohana Cup

USA Tomahawks vs. Mate Ma'a Tonga

Full day of Rugby Union and Rugby League

May 12, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Kaiser Stadium

Admission is $3 for adults; ticket proceeds benefit Kaiser Athletics and Hawai'i Youth Rugby. For more information and a complete schedule of events please visit www.amnrl.com.

2012 Hawai'i Tourism Conference

2012 Hawai'i Tourism Conference

Aug. 23 - 24, 2012

Hawai'i Convention Center

More information will be made available soon, or visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org

Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival

Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival

REVISED DATES: Sept. 6 - 9, 2012.

The MODERN Honolulu, Halekulani, Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa and Ko Olina Resort

For more information, please click here.

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.