The Hawaii Tourism Authority briefed the House Committee on Finance on tourism recovery strategies, international marketing priorities and a planned destination‑management app that HTA says will help coordinate reservations, advertise stewardship messaging and connect travelers with local services.

HTA representatives said the first phase of the destination‑management app has concluded an investigation and stakeholder outreach; staff plan to issue a request for information and then an RFP to select a developer and vendors. The app is intended to link reservation systems, surface curated local opportunities and support longer‑term destination management goals.

Markets and marketing approach
- Japan: HTA said it will continue to invest in Japan market activity. Officials noted the yen’s exchange rate and macroeconomic conditions affect travel but said niche markets — including incentive travel, education tours and group business — remain strong and merit continued marketing and trade‑partner engagement. HTA staff reported on in‑market travel‑agent training and business support as part of the effort.
- China: HTA asked for a modest appropriation to establish a general sales agent presence to handle sales and coordination in China, explaining that a full office is unnecessary while flights and market conditions recover. The agency said it will work with national partners and airlines and that an early step is developing translator/reseller relationships and industry training.
- Sports and events: HTA said sports tourism and team partnerships can drive awareness and arrivals. The agency described discussions with professional sports organizations and noted that such partnerships are expected to include community engagement components.

Operational notes and risk monitoring
HTA said it is monitoring travel demand after major West Coast wildfires and coordinating with airlines, hotels and destination partners to track cancellations and new bookings. The agency also said it will coordinate with the governor’s office and other partners on targeted outreach as disaster recovery evolves.

Ending note: HTA emphasized market‑by‑market strategies and sales‑partner development as it pursues a phased app procurement and asked lawmakers to allow limited, targeted investments to rebuild and sustain direct and indirect international demand.