2008 Hawai’i Tourism Conference

This year, the annual Hawai’i Tourism Conference was held at the Honolulu Convention Center from August 6-7. The UH Hilo Conference Center attended with staff representation from Hawaiian EDventure, our edu-tourism offices as well as our conferencing department.

The metaphors of cultural authenticity, economic sustainability, and the preservation of natural resources rang clear and true through the duration of the conference; Live Koa, Kukui and Kalo decorated the conference rooms, and an indigenous plant display provided by the Kaua’i Rare Plant Conservation was a symbolic reminder of the State’s intent and mission to “strategically manage Hawai’i tourism in a sustainable manner…”

HTA directly addressed the dire situation of Hawai’i's economy, offering insightful messages covering topics ranging from the Korean and Chinese markets and visitor statistics to Hawai’i's airlines industry.

Keynote speakers included: Thomas K. Kaulukukui, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Centers and Ted Bush, Waikiki Beach Boy, President, Waikiki Beach Services.

For more information and to download presentations, visit the official HTA conference website here: http://www.hawaiitourismconference.com/