The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau this week announced the appointment of Shigeru Nishi as regional director of accounts for Asia for its Corporate Meetings and Incentives division.

HVCB President and CEO John Monahan said that HVCB and Nishi are collaborating with Hawaii Tourism Japan to promote business meetings in Hawai'i.

"Mr. Nishi brings to us impressive credentials and a proven success record of selling Hawai'i in Asia," Monahan said.

"He will be a great asset to HVCB's overall sales efforts and allow us to capitalize on the growing interest of Asia-based groups to meet and do business in the islands."

Nishi has more than 36 years of Japan travel sales experience, including work with the Starwood and Hilton hotel chains.

Nishi also has nearly 10 years of direct sales experience for Hawai'i, including his most recent position as director of Hawai'i sales for Hilton Sales Worldwide.

He will be based in Hawaii Tourism Japan's office in Tokyo, and his initial primary focus will be on the Japanese market.