Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association commemorates the best industry achievers

Friday, March 8, 2019

Seventeen top tourism workers and events of Hawaii were commemorated in this year’s Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA) awards, at an event in joint venture with aio Media on 1st March. The categories were hospitality, food, activities, events, and individual contributions.

To quote Susan Eichor, president of aio Media, “The future of Hawaii’s economy depends on the continued collaborations between local businesses and the lasting relationships we build with each other. We are delighted to stand with HLTA in recognizing the very best Hawaii lodging and tourism companies that exemplify the spirit of aloha for both locals and visitors alike.”

To quote Mufi Hannemann, President & CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, “Under a single spotlight, the aio Media Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Awards bring together Kalakaua Avenue and Bishop Street, the diverse Hawaiian Islands, and our many business interests – all to celebrate the visitor industry and its invaluable contributions to our progress. We are all in this together, and these awards showcase the best of the industry; its innovators and leaders, and what gives Hawai?i its enduring appeal.”

The winners are:

Tourism Legacy Award
To identify an individual or organization that has made important contribution to Hawaii’s tourism industry.

Dr. Chuck Yim Gee, Dean Emeritus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Travel Industry Management

Dr. Gee, TIM School’s longest tenured dean (1976–1999), has been awarded several accolades, like induction into the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gallery of Legends, the Award of Excellence for Tourism Education from the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, Travel Industry Association of America’s Hall of Leaders Award, State of Hawaii Manager of the Year, and Taiwan Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.

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