Additional HTA Spending

Aloha Kakou:

Yesterday, the Hawaii Tourism Authority met to discuss releasing additional funds to direct to the marketing of the state.

One plan is to advertise in those cities that have direct air service to Hawaii, namely Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, Dallas and New York City. Hawaii generally does not spend much money on direct marketing; those funds usually go to HTA and HVCB (Hawaii Visitor's and Convention Bureau) and HVCB's island affiliates (like the Maui Visitor's Bureau), who market the state to travel agents through trade shows and the like.

Both articles have quotes from David Carey, Outrigger's president and CEO. And, there's an interesting difference between the headlines and the focus of both articles. I've also included the supportive editorial from today's Advertiser. I'll let you draw your own conclusions!

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080905/BUSINESS02/809050351/1071

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080905/OPINION01/809050322/1105

http://starbulletin.com/2008/09/05/business/story06.html