HTA awarded 3 contracts immediately to advance Hawaii’s progress towards regenerative tourism by way of vacation spot administration and customer schooling.

Help Companies for Vacation spot Stewardship (RFP 23-08)

RFP 23-08 was issued on February 13, 2023, looking for a set of providers together with post-arrival customer schooling; administrative assist for Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) neighborhood packages like Aloha ʻĀina, Kūkulu Ola, and Neighborhood Enrichment; technical help and capability constructing for neighborhood organizations and native companies; and technology-enabled options to handle tourism hotspots.

The award was made to the Council for Native Hawaiian Development. The brand new contract, price $27,141,457 for the preliminary 2.5-year time period with an possibility for 2 one-year extensions, is scheduled to start on June 20, 2023.

Vacation spot Model Administration & Advertising and marketing Companies: United States (RFP 23-03)

RFP 23-03 was issued on February 13, 2023, looking for model administration and advertising and marketing providers in the US, Hawai‘i’s largest customer supply market. The solicitation requires a pre-arrival communications program to coach guests with particular details about secure, respectful, and conscious journey. In 2022, guests from the US spent $16.2 billion in Hawaii, a mean $231 per customer per day.

The award was made to the Hawaii Guests & Conference Bureau, which can proceed its work on HTA’s behalf as Hawaii Tourism United States. The brand new contract, price $38,350,000 for the preliminary 2.5 12 months time period with an possibility for one two-year extension, is scheduled to start on June 22, 2023.

Vacation spot Model Administration & Advertising and marketing Companies: Canada (RFP 23-02)

RFP 23-02 was issued on March 14, 2023, looking for a contractor to coach Canadian guests about touring mindfully and respectfully whereas supporting Hawai‘i’s communities. Focus may also be positioned on driving customer spending into Hawai‘i-based companies as a method to assist a wholesome economic system, and selling festivals and occasions, agritourism packages, and voluntourism actions. In 2022, guests from Canada spent $928.2 million in Hawaii, a mean $188 per customer per day.

The award was made to VoX Worldwide, which can proceed its work on HTA’s behalf as Hawaii Tourism Canada. The brand new contract, price $2,400,000 million for the preliminary 2.5 12 months time period with an possibility for one two-year extension, is scheduled to start on June 30, 2023.

In alignment with HTA’s guideline of Mālama Ku‘u House (caring for our beloved dwelling), its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, and the community-driven Vacation spot Administration Motion Plans being carried out on every island, the contractors’ work will advance a regenerative mannequin of tourism for Hawai‘i. Work efficiency can be measured in opposition to HTA’s Key Efficiency Indicators with an emphasis on strengthening resident sentiment.

“HTA wish to thank all offerors for submitting their proposals, and to the respective analysis committees whose members introduced a excessive stage of professionalism and experience to this assessment course of. Moreover, my gratitude is prolonged to our HTA employees for his or her dedication and dedication in advancing the very best pursuits of the Hawaii customer trade and the wellbeing of our native communities statewide,” stated John De Fries, HTA’s president & chief government officer.

“These three awards are made attainable by a collaborative effort between the state Administration and the Legislature to safe funding for HTA, which we deeply recognize. For now, it’s applicable to order additional remark till we have now accomplished these energetic procurement processes.”

Contract phrases, circumstances, and quantities are topic to closing negotiations with HTA and the supply of funds. The state procurement course of permits for a interval of protest that may expire no later than June 14, after which contracts could also be finalized.