Tourism agency sets sights on calendar full of festivals
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
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"Secrets of Growth" will be the theme of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority's fourth annual festivals and events seminar next month, May 13-16.
The agency is working to schedule more events — including festivals and sports-related activities — into the slower travel times known as "shoulder" seasons.
Each year, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority spends more than $1 million to support some of these festivals.
"Festivals and events help bring Hawai'i's multicultural heritage to life," said Rex Johnson, the state tourism agency's president and CEO.
Events that are being supported this year include last month's Honolulu Festival, Maui Film Festival in Wailea, the Hawai'i International Film Festival on O'ahu, and Koloa Plantation Days on Kaua'i.
He said these events have proven effective in attracting visitors to Hawai'i specifically to attend the festival or event. "And they bring residents and visitors together and let the visitors see the real Hawai'i," Johnson said.
National and local experts will speak on various topics including destination trends, event operations, branding, networking and more. The seminar will be held one day in each county over a four-day period.
So far, the national speakers include:
The seminars are open to the general public:
Early registration is $42 and ends April 23. Regular registration is $55 and ends May 8. The registration fee for each seminar includes lunch, refreshments and seminar materials. For more information or to register, contact Alan Ellis or Eileen Osakoda at 528-4050 or visit www.htafestivalsandevents.com.
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| Festival info available via phone
To spread the word on more than 60 festivals held statewide each year, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority has created a new toll-free number to help residents and visitors find out more about what's going on when.
The festivals encourage the celebration and perpetuation of the state's rich history and multicultural heritage.The number 877-FEST FUN (337-8386) gives callers a listing of all agency-sponsored festivals, by island, week by week. The information is updated every Sunday.
Callers can find out locations of festivals, any entry fees and detailed information about the festival.
For a complete listing of Hawai'i's festivals, visit www.gohawaii.com and go to the calendar of events. |
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
