Hawai‘i Tourism Authority enhances commitment to sustainable destination management

Friday, January 19, 2024

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Strengthens Commitment to Sustainable Tourism through New Destination Management Plans

In a continued effort to balance tourism’s economic benefits with environmental and cultural impacts, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is taking further steps to develop the next iteration of Destination Management Action Plans (DMAPs). Building on its collaborative approach since 2020, HTA is actively engaging communities across Hawai‘i to set strategic directions for tourism over the next three years.

HTA, under the leadership of Mufi Hannemann, HTA Board Chair, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in planning and prioritizing solutions for each unique neighborhood. The organization aims to manage tourism’s impact on the community and industry, focusing on sustainability and the well-being of residents.

Key aspects of destination management include education for visitors, community-based solutions to manage capacity, conservation of natural resources, and preservation of culture. HTA is currently collaborating with numerous partners on these efforts, sharing updates on its Holomua website.

HTA is seeking proposals from qualified companies to facilitate discussions and develop the next round of DMAPs in collaboration with communities statewide. The plans will identify clear actions, roles of responsible agencies, measurable outcomes, and sites in need of further management based on residents’ needs.

Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO, emphasizes the importance of engaging Hawai‘i’s residents for a better understanding of how to support the community’s vision for tourism. The goal is to gather extensive feedback to inform future destination management initiatives.

The development of each DMAP involves a collaborative process with government agencies, the visitor industry, and various sectors to support a regenerative tourism model. This model aims to bring economic and social benefits to residents while minimizing negative impacts and providing an exceptional experience for visitors.

The contract for the Development of Destination Management Action Plans for 2024-2027, awarded through RFP 24-10, will commence in March 2024 and end on September 30, 2024. Interested parties can submit proposals until 4:30 p.m. on February 19, 2024, through the Hawaiʻi State eProcurement System (HIePRO) at hiepro.ehawaii.gov.

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