HTA approves $2.6 million for tourism recovery to accessible areas of Maui | News, Sports, Jobs
The Maui News
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority Board of Directors on Thursday approved $2.6 million to launch the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan, which will focus on a new Malama Maui campaign and rebuilding travel demand from the U.S. market to Maui after the devastating Aug. 8 wildfires.
“We extend our deepest aloha to the Lahaina and Kula communities and stand alongside the people of Maui during this difficult time,” HTA Board Vice Chair Mahina Paishon Duarte said in a news release Thursday.
On Aug. 18, Gov. Josh Green declared a tourism emergency in his sixth emergency proclamation. West Maui accounts for 15 percent of Hawaii’s tourism economy, with an estimated $9 million in loss per day in the wake of the fire, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
HTA Board Chair Blaine Miyasato said board members and staff met with Maui residents and business owners to discuss “the challenges they now face with visitor arrivals decreasing significantly since August 8.” HTA’s Malama Maui campaign aims to attract “respectful, compassionate, responsible travel” to accessible areas of Maui, as well as other islands, Miyasato said. The campaign will begin immediately and run through Oct. 31.
“The campaign’s message will focus on thanking people for their outpouring of aloha and reiterate how they can continue to support Maui and its people by supporting local organizations assisting with disaster relief,” said Daniel Naho’opi’i, HTA’s chief administrative officer. “It will also show gratitude to visitors who are continuing with their Maui vacations to support the economy, supporting local shops, local restaurants, and local activities which ultimately aids in the island’s overall recovery efforts.”
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