Do YOU want to have a say in Hawaii Island’s future tourism management plan?   You can!

With tourism at a halt, Hawaii Tourism Authority says now is the time to collaborate with Hawaii Island’s stakeholders to rebuild tourism together. A process that normally takes at least a year is being condensed to three months to build an action plan with community input.

Although new HTA President John deFries, a Big Island resident, has a long-term vision for Hawaii and Big Island tourism, he and the HTA team, in partnership with the Island of Hawaii Visitor Bureau have set up a chance for any Hawaii Island resident to hear what’s in place now and to have their say.  They will sponsor a Hawaii Island Community Meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 16.  Register by clicking here.

The foundation of the Hawaii Island Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) is being based on HTA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and the Hawaii Island Tourism Strategic Plan 2020-2025. The action plan will be used for the recovery and rebuilding of tourism. The Hawaii Island DMAP will also align with other county plans such as the General Plan, Community Development Plan and Kilauea Recovery and Resilience Plan to ensure coordinated implementation.

Tourism is one of Hawaii Island’s main industries. In 2019, 1.77 million visitors spent a total of $2.3 billion on Hawaii Island. There were approximately 35,556 visitors on any given day. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has significantly impacted the visitor industry. As of August 2020, Hawaii Island was down 66.8% in visitor arrivals and down 60.0% (Kona) and 71.6% (Hilo) in air seats when compared to the same time a year ago. Hawaii County lost 11,600 jobs or 16.5% of non-agriculture wage and salary jobs in the second quarter of 2020 alone, with accommodations jobs decreasing the most at 3,000 jobs or 51.7%. This was followed by food services and drinking places, which lost 2,400 jobs or 34.8%.

For more about the Hawaii Tourism Authority/Island of Hawaii Visitor Bureau planning process, click here.

Photos of Ironman Triathlon World Championship finish area and Parker Ranch Rodeo, two island tourism draws,  courtesy HTA.