Two organizations that promote tourism in Hawaii have agreed to continue working on a resolution to their disagreement on how to share a procurement award.
When it was initially announced in June the award of the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s U.S. Brand Management & Global Support Services procurement was going to the Council for Native Hawaii Advancement, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau protested. Since, both sides have been working towards a resolution in the best interest of the public.
“I am very pleased with the progress that the two organizations have made in coming together so that we can move forward in the best interest of the State,” DBEDT Director Mike McCartney said in a release from Gov. David Ige’s office. “Both organizations add tremendous value to the visitor industry with their commitment and skills. In the spirit of HRS 5-7.5b, the Aloha Spirit law, we plan to move quickly, collaboratively and with due diligence during this extension, to work through the details so that a resolution that is right for all of Hawai‘i is reached.”
According to the release, while work continues on the resolution of the protest, all parties have agreed to a six-month extension of HVCB’s current contracts for U.S. Brand Management and Global Support Services until March 31, 2023. This extension will ensure the continuation of work in visitor education including the GoHawaii.com website and call center.
HTA President and CEO John De Fries, said in the statement, “The commitment and resilience shown by both organizations in finding a shared pathway forward, demonstrates the spirit of Mālama Ku‘u Home or, caring for our beloved home. Going forward, we will utilize our collective momentum and creativity to work through the details of how best we can serve Hawai‘i.”
John Monahan, President and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, is equally optimistic. “We also look forward to collaborating with HTA and CNHA to collectively achieve a regenerative tourism model that positively impacts Hawai‘i’s natural resources and benefits residents statewide,” he said. “We are pleased to be able to continue to share the Mālama Hawai‘i message in the U.S. marketplace during this uncertain economic climate as we enter the fourth quarter. However, it is even more important that we look ahead and continue our branding and education programs for the crucial first quarter of 2023 when many people are planning and booking their travel.”