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A message from:
George D. Szigeti
President & CEO
Hawaii Tourism Authority
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Aloha mai kakou,
I was so proud of how residents, government and the tourism industry responded to the threat that Hurricane Lane posed to the State of Hawaii. Knowing this hurricane could wreck lives throughout the islands was stressful to everyone who calls this beautiful place home.
But it was also a comfort seeing people in Hawaii respond to Lane’s approach with a calmness and focus on being prepared and staying safe.
Our government leaders at the federal, state and county levels collaborated as one team in bringing forth all available resources to help residents and visitors cope with any potential damage.
Local news media worked around the clock providing updates on Lane and a continuous stream of information from experts on how to be prepared and stay hopeful.
As expected, Hawaii’s tourism professionals were champs in guiding visitors on handling the possibility of Lane making landfall.
Whenever possible, the Hawaii Tourism Authority communicated the message over and over again that visitors should follow the advice of their airline and hospitality providers. They are the best at coping with a crisis of this magnitude.
HTA set up an Emergency Command Center at the Hawaii Convention Center, which was staffed at all times with teams from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Japan and Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. A big mahalo for their support.
The command center facilitated the gathering of information important to residents and visitors, provided continuous updates to media and tourism stakeholders, and helped resolve issues.
Ultimately, this enormous storm was stalled, weakened and turned away from crossing over the Hawaiian Islands in the nick of time by a powerful combination of wind shear and trade winds.
The island of Hawaii bore the brunt of Lane’s approach, resulting in more than 40 inches of rainfall and flash flooding in parts of the island, particularly on the east side.
But keep in mind the island of Hawaii helped save the rest of the state from incurring more damage. Like a shield, the island’s mountainous terrain, especially massive Maunaloa and Maunakea, blunted Lane and sapped some of its strength.
Lane is long gone and Hawaii is as beautiful, warm and inviting as ever.
As welcome as that is, the best news we had that week was Honolulu winning the Little League World Series! What made Hawaii’s team winning the championship even more uplifting was how they epitomized sportsmanship, teamwork and the aloha spirit. They were inspiring ambassadors for the whole state as the entire nation tuned in to watch their excellence in action.
Mahalo for your continued support of Hawaii tourism and the professionals dedicated to serving our guests.
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Take Advantage of Special Group Offer to Attend the Global Tourism Summit
Register now for the annual Global Tourism Summit, set for October 1-3 at the Hawaii Convention Center with the 2018 theme, “Charting the Course.”
Attendees will gain insights on Hawaii’s 2019 outlook and marketing plans for the United States, Japan, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Oceania and Europe. Updates will also be provided by HTA’s Global MCI (Meetings, Conventions and Incentives) team and the Hawaii Convention Center.
Hawaii industry partners interested in meeting with key Japanese tour operators and travel agents are invited to participate in the Japan Summit, a productive opportunity to share information about products, establish relationships and discuss business opportunities in one-on-one meetings. The Japan Summit is set for October 2.
Groups of eight or more are encouraged to purchase the Global Tourism Summit group package, which now includes reserved seating for lunch (based on availability; restrictions may apply) and allows the flexibility of mixing and matching attendees throughout the three-day conference. The cost for group package attendance is $325 per person – a savings of $100 per individual. For more information, visit
www.globaltourismsummithawaii.com
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Did You Know?: Queen Liliuokalani
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Liliuokalani was a faithful scholar, gifted musician and composer, and Hawaii’s last reigning monarch. She was born on September 2, 1838, and assumed the throne in 1891 following the passing of her brother Kalakaua.
One of Liliuokalani’s first orders of business as queen was to remove terms in the constitution unfavorable to the Hawaiian monarchy and the Hawaiian people. Terms forced upon the kingdom by outside interests who, just two years later, would overthrow the monarchy. Worried about the potential bloodshed of her people, Liliuokalani advocated nonviolent resistance to the overthrow. Her patience, courage, humility and forgiveness cemented her status as a role model for generations to come.
When Queen Liliuokalani passed away on November 11, 1917, traditional chants and church bells rang out in mourning across the Hawaiian Islands; a commemoration that was repeated on the 100th anniversary of her passing in 2017. Liliuokalani remains a symbol of peace and strength, as well as a beacon for her people.
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Aloha Festivals Celebrates Community
and Culture
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The people of Hawaii share a special bond, depicted by the oceans that connect to one another and the Aloha Spirit that is shared among the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the world. These hallmarks of Hawaii will be celebrated at the events of the 72nd annual Aloha Festivals, themed No Ke Kai Kakou E – We Are Of The Sea as a tribute to all the ocean provides and a commitment to our responsible stewardship of oceans for future generations.
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Aloha Festivals events will begin on September 1 with a royal court investiture and opening ceremony at Helumoa, the royal coconut grove that is now home to Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. On September 22, the Aloha Festivals Waikiki Hoolaulea will draw thousands to Waikiki’s main thoroughfare Kalakaua Avenue for music and entertainment, food, crafts and lei. On September 29, the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade – Hawaii’s largest parade – will wind through Waikiki showcasing community spirit, the finest in float decoration, and the art of pau horseback riding.
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With more than 100,000 residents and visitors participating in Aloha Festivals each year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is proud to support the celebration as one of its Signature Events. Learn more about the celebration and see its full schedule of events at
AlohaFestivals.com.
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Festival Inspires Knowledge of Hawaii’s Birdlife
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More than 70 species of birds are found nowhere else in the world but in the Hawaiian Islands. The list includes notable native birds such as the nene (Hawaiian goose), io (Hawaiian hawk), and pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl), as well as other species rarely seen by humans.
Celebrate Hawaii’s unique birds and the diversity of their natural environments at the Hawaii Island Festival of Birds, happening September 14-17. Now in its third year, the island of Hawaii festival brings together bird experts and bird lovers of all ages. Participants can enjoy guest speaker presentations, a children’s corner, bird-inspired artwork, a birdlife photography workshop and even a bird film festival.
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Other activities are offered islandwide, including land and sea bird-watching trips, and hiking adventures along the Hawaii Island Coast-To-Coast Birding Trail, a 90-mile route rising from sea level on the island’s east and west sides to the inland saddle between Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. Along the way, the birding trail passes through parched lava deserts and some of the wettest rainforest landscapes in the world.
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The Hawaii Island Festival of Birds benefits the Hawaii Wildlife Center, a state- and region-wide response and conservation organization based on Hawaii Island that includes a wildlife hospital and research, education and cultural programs. The Hawaii Island Festival of Birds is supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority through its Community Enrichment Program. For more information, visit
birdfesthawaii.org.
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L.A. Clippers Back in Honolulu to Train and Play
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The Los Angeles Clippers will begin preparing for the upcoming NBA season in Honolulu, holding training camp for a second straight year at the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus, September 24-30.
The week will culminate with the Clippers playing the Sydney Kings of Australia’s National Basketball League in the Clippers Hawaii Classic on Sunday, September 30, at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from $25 to $150. Special group rates are also available.
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HTA and International Festivals and Events Association Offer Fall Workshops
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Hawaii Tourism Authority, in partnership with the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) will be conducting all-day Growing Success II workshops on Maui (October 30), Kauai (October 31), the island of Hawaii (November 1) and Oahu (November 2).
The workshops aim to assist participants in enhancing the success of events and projects, and focusing on areas such as sponsorship proposals and follow-up reports, how to keep events fresh, marketing and social media.
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In Celebration of La Hoihoi Ea
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On July 31, HTA was invited to participate in the City and County of Honolulu’s unveiling of its statue of Kamehameha III Kauikeaouli in Oahu’s Thomas Square. The celebration marked the 175th anniversary of La Hoihoi Ea, Hawaii's Sovereignty Restoration Day. The team presented a lei lai, twisted Hilo-style, crafted by the HTA ohana.
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La Hoihoi Ea is a pivotal day in Hawaii's history, remembering the moment sovereignty was returned to Kamehameha III Kauikeaouli after rogue British agents, led by British Lord George Paulette, seized control of the government between February 25 and July 31, 1843. During that time, Hawaiian flags were lowered, burned and replaced with the British Union Jack. Following Kamehameha III’s diplomacy efforts with Queen Victoria, Admiral Richard Thomas was dispatched to remove Paulette and reinstate the Hawaiian Kingdom. Responding to the restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Kamehameha III spoke the words that would become Hawaii's state motto in 1959: “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono” (“the life – or sovereignty/independence – of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”).
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We Share Hawaii Brews Coffee Talk in
Kailua-Kona
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Kalani Kaanaana, HTA’s director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs, and Valerie Corcoran, president of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, created quite the buzz when they sat down for coffee and coffee conversation during a Facebook Live session for We Share Hawaii on August 9.
The talk, which happened on a gorgeous and clear Kailua-Kona day at Daylight Mind Coffee, featured Valerie sharing the rich history of coffee on the island of Hawaii and what attendees can expect from this year’s festival.
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, one of Hawaii’s oldest food festivals, is set for November 9-18. Click
here to view the coffee chat with Valerie and Kalani, and see the most recent community updates from We Share Hawaii.
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Maui
Sept. 7-Oct. 13
Sept. 22
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Island of Hawaii
Sept. 7-15
Sept. 14-17
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Hawaii Fashion and Design Weekend at the
New York Botanical Garden
Hawaii made a splash at the New York Botanical Garden’s Fashion and Design Weekend on July 28 and 29, as part of the garden’s Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawaii exhibit. Hawaii Tourism United States (HTUSA) coordinated a lecture on traditional Hawaiian tattooing followed by live demonstrations of the art form with practitioner Keone Nunes, as well as kapa making with Micah Kamohoalii, hula performances with members of Halau Na Kipuupuu, and pop-up fashion shoots featuring fashion designer Manaola Yap and his new collection inspired by the botanical garden.
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The weekend also featured Meet the Curator presentations spotlighting an exhibit of gowns worn by Queens Kapiolani and Liliuokalani on loan from Iolani Palace. All of the weekend’s participating artists, including New York-based, Hawaii-raised jewelry designer Bliss Lau, united for a Fashion Walk showcasing the progression and impact of Hawaii fashion.
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Midwest Ohana Celebrates Aloha Week
HTUSA joined forces with its MidWest Ohana to participate in Aloha Week festivities in Itasca, Illinois; Omaha, Nebraska; and Kansas City, Missouri, from July 16-19.
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Events in each city kicked off with afternoon training sessions led by the Island Chapters and continued into the evening with a trade show, dinner, entertainment from Danny Akaka Jr., and presentations by HTUSA and 21 Hawaii suppliers. More than 200 agents attended the Aloha Week events.
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Island of Hawaii Recovery Campaign Continues with Briefing in Japan and Promotional Event
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On July 19, Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ) conducted an informational briefing on the island of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano eruption for 35 travel agent representatives and 40 journalists in Tokyo as part of its continuing Island of Hawaii Recovery Campaign. The purpose of the briefing was to share the latest fact-based updates about the eruption, correct misperceptions, and emphasize that the island of Hawaii remains a safe destination for travelers.
The group was addressed by Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB); Kalani Kaanaana, HTA director of Hawaiian cultural affairs; Dr. Richard Hazlett, affiliate faculty member of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Department of Geology; and Mr. Hideki Itagaki, a pilot with Japan Airlines. A detailed resource book about the island of Hawaii was created and provided to attendees. The initiative resulted in 25 positive news articles. Post-briefing, many of the travel agents in attendance expressed a greater comfort in selling the destination to travelers.
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Also on July 19, HTJ, with support from Japan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, held a promotional event at Tommy Bahama Ginza in Tokyo as part of the Island of Hawaii Recovery Campaign. At the event, Miss Aloha Hawaii 2018 Tehina Slade and IHVB’s Birch inspired prospective travelers to visit the island of Hawaii. Multiple events – including workshops, seminars and a special Hawaii-themed menu – are being executed in the two months following the event to promote the island.
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Hankyu Hawaii Fair Held in Osaka
HTJ, joining with partners Delta Air Lines, JTB, H.I.S. and KNT, participated in the Hankyu Hawaii Fair, held from July 4-10, at Hankyu’s Umeda district department store in Osaka.
Hankyu’s Hawaii Fair is the largest annual Hawaii consumer event in the Kansai region, drawing nearly 200,000 attendees. Partners offered guests information about the Hawaiian Islands, shared Hawaii package and tour options, and helped attendees purchase airline tickets. To further increase traveler interest in visiting Hawaii, HTJ also arranged a photo exhibit, talk show, seminars and guided tours with Aloha Program curator Masakazu Asanuma, which were engaging and popular with participants.
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HTJ offered attendees travel planners, a variety of pamphlets, and a flier about Kilauea volcano eruption recovery efforts on the island of Hawaii, all intended to drive demand for travel to the island.
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Canada’s
Sun Media
Feasts Around Oahu
Influential
Sun Media Travel Editor Robin Robinson recently experienced Oahu’s culinary scene on Hawaii Tourism Canada’s Culture and Culinary press trip. Robinson was part of a small group of journalists invited to sample the menus of several island eateries, including Mina’s Fish House, La Hiki Kitchen, Highway Inn, Leonard’s Bakery and more. Back home in Canada, she shared her Oahu adventures in dining in a colorful double-page spread, which appeared in major daily newspapers across Canada in print and online.
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HTO Hosts Successful Aloha Down Under Hawaii Roadshow
Hawaii Tourism Oceania (HTO) held its most successful Hawaii roadshow to date, Aloha Down Under, in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Parramatta, Australia, and Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand, from July 23-31. The evening events were attended by a record-high number of travel professionals, with 22 Hawaii partners participating.
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In addition, HTO conducted B2B sessions in Sydney and Auckland, offering more than 25 product managers in both cities an opportunity to network with Hawaii partners. HTO also hosted a media lunch attended by more than 20 top national travel trade and leisure media representatives, which resulted in destination media coverage and positive feedback from participating partners and travel industry members.
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HTO Attends Get Global 2018 Exhibition with Hawaii Partners
On July 20, HTO participated in the most recent Get Global meetings and events exhibition, which focused exclusively on Australia’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market. Hawaii partners Hawaiian Airlines, Prince Waikiki, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Kathy Clarke Hawaii, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, Queen Kapiolani Hotel Waikiki Beach, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, and Rock and Roll Team Building attended the tradeshow with HTO. The one-day exhibition was held at the International Convention Centre Sydney in Sydney, Australia.
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HTO kicked off its Get Global participation on July 19 with a media function at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour hotel and a networking dinner at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel inviting key clients to meet with Hawaii partners.
Get Global 2018 drew more than 140 exhibitors from 20 different countries and 286 buyers from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand. Get Global’s 2019 trade show will be held on July 26.
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Hawaii Lifestyle Week Brings the Islands to South Korea
In July, Hawaii Tourism Korea (HTK) collaborated with South Korea luxury department store chain Hyundai to organize in-market consumer promotions targeting high-end travelers from Korea. In partnership with Hyundai stores in Busan and Seoul, HTK developed Hawaii Lifestyle Week, which featured multiple integrated consumer events.
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Festivities were held in conjunction with the opening of Hyundai’s COEX branch in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Hyundai also invited retail brands showcasing Hawaii's lifestyle, food and culture to participate and created a Hawaii Fair on the store’s rooftop garden.
Hawaii Lifestyle Week was promoted through HTK’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, and monthly newsletters, as well as Hyundai’s online and offline channels, including electronic document management systems (EDMS), leaflets, posters and digital displays.
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HTK Holds Meet Hawaii Weekend in Busan
Continuing to build strong relationships with key Korean corporate clients, HTK presented its Meet Hawaii Weekend at Hilton Busan hotel in South Korea on July 14 and 15. A total of 60 participants, including corporate clients, their family members and Hawaii partners, were in attendance.
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HTK designed family-friendly Hawaiian cultural events and activities for the weekend, including interactive hula and ukulele performances, and multiple educational programs for guests to experience. The HTK team highlighted the Hawaiian Islands as an attractive MCI destination and introduced the group to the islands’ dynamic event venues and team-building activities.
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Ukulele Ohana Jam Engages Consumers
Hawaii Tourism Hong Kong (HTHK) supported the "Ukulele Ohana Jam," presented by IMY Creations, July 8-15, in Hong Kong. The campaign showcased Hawaii’s vibrant arts and culture offerings through the ukulele to potential travelers and their families.
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More than 10,000 attendees enjoyed workshops, concerts and spectacular performances by top Hawaii entertainers, such as Taimane Gardner, Herb Ohta, Jr., Chris Kamaka, Brittany Waihili Okalani Atiburcio and Delys Hulali Recca.
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Summer Splash Sale to Hawaii Campaign
On July 10, United Airlines and Zuji rolled out a three-week “Summer Splash Sale to Hawaii” campaign in Hong Kong. United Airlines offered special airfare to Hawaii that online travel agency enhanced with an additional discount for consumers.
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The online campaign was promoted extensively online including leading digital travel media Flyagain.la and Flyday.hk, google ad banners, and Zuji’s social media channels, garnering 600,000 viewers. HTHK supported the campaign by providing activity recommendations and assisting with publicity efforts in Hong Kong.
United realized a 10 percent growth in bookings to Hawaii due to the campaign.
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Hawaii Tourism China Partners with Gymboree
In July, Hawaii Tourism China (HTC) collaborated with Gymboree to conduct a fun, family-oriented promotion in Shanghai.
Gymboree, a leading provider of specialty retail stores for children’s apparel, has 400 branches in China serving more than 300,000 families. For the launch event at Shanghai J-Mall, families experienced the aloha spirit, participated in ukulele and hula lessons, and learned about Hawaii’s appeal.
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Also, during July, parents had the opportunity to participate in an online contest by sharing their baby’s photos and vying for their child to be named a “Hawaii Baby Ambassador.”
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New Hawaii Advertising Campaign Launches in Guangzhou
HTC partnered with GlobalFun, a gaming software developer, to launch an outdoor advertising campaign in the heart of Guangzhou.
The campaign aimed to drive travel demand to the Hawaiian Islands through inspirational and distinctive visuals showcasing beautiful locations and exciting outdoor activities, such as whale watching, stargazing and surfing.
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To maximize the campaign’s impact, exclusive Hawaii products and packages were introduced in Guangzhou. Outdoor advertisements will be displayed throughout September and are expected to reach more than 4 million China residents and have an estimated advertising value of more than $180,000 USD.
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Promo Video Showcases Hawaii to Southeast Asia Travelers
Hawaii Tourism Southeast Asia collaborated with AirAsia X and popular social media influencer Hannah Tan (@hannahonline) to create a promotional video showcasing the Hawaiian Islands as an alluring leisure destination for Southeast Asian travelers.
The video depicted the busy lifestyles of Southeast Asians, juxtaposed with scenes of a heavenly Hawaii getaway.
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Hannah shared behind-the-scenes stories on her social media platforms. She created 15 posts, which garnered more than 300,000 impressions and over 45,000 engagements thus far. The promotional video is scheduled to debut in September.
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104 Agents Receive Hawaii Training in July
Hawaii Tourism Europe (HTE) trained 104 travel agents about the Hawaiian Islands in July – a record total for one month! Five sessions were conducted in the United Kingdom, including a dedicated USA training day coordinated by Flight Centre.
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In Paris, HTE coordinated two training sessions, including one in partnership with Outrigger Resorts & Hotels and Hawaiian Airlines.
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Hawaii Highlighted in Multiple German Media Outlets
As a result of the April press trip conducted by FTI Touristik and HTE, journalist Eva Hammel recently published her first article on the Hawaiian Islands in the German newspaper
Stuttgarter Nachrichten.
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Hammel’s article combines a destination feature with profound storytelling about Hawaii's unique culture. To date, the article has been published in 14 media outlets, with a total circulation of 10.6 million readers.
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Keep in touch with HTA via social media:
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HTA recognizes the use of the 'okina ['] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ō] 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.
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