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Virtual Rural Tourism and Sustainable Development Conference 2021

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Virtual Rural Sustainable Development Conference
Sep 24, 2021 09:00 PM (HST)

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to focus the many vulnerabilities of the travel and tourism industry, particularly highlighting the strong correlation between rural tourism and sustainable development. The shift in travel behavior towards rural tourism has created new opportunities for tourism stakeholders to rethink development in a way that is more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

By emphasizing rural tourism and sustainable development, the industry can help ensure a fairer distribution of the benefits from tourism, including job creation, the protection of natural resources, infrastructure development and the empowerment of local communities. This in turn will allow rural areas to become more accessible and provide a higher quality of life for local communities and the overall destination.

The Virtual Rural Tourism and Sustainable Development Conference is a digital half-day event that brings together thought leaders and tourism stakeholders from across the globe. Comprised of expert speaker sessions and destination experiences from Huzhou and Wuxing District, China – The Town of World Rural Tourism, this event will address important issues within the responsible development of rural tourism.

2021 Annual Airports Update

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Tuesday, September 28, 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar

Join us to hear Ross Higashi, Deputy Director of Department of Transportation, Airports Division share the latest updates for airports statewide, including the Hawai‘i Airports Modernization Program.  The Hawai’i Airports Modernization Program is part of Governor Ige’s continuing work on airport improvements throughout the State.  These needed airport developments will not only enhance the traveler experience and improve efficiency and safety, but also create jobs and stimulate the State’s economy.  The ultimate goal is to continue to improve our airports over the next decade, so it can meet the future needs of our residents and visitors alike.


Deputy Director Hagashi’s responsibilities include the oversight of numerous modernization and facility improvement projects representing billions of dollars in construction, an annual operational budget of more than $500 million, and the financial stability of the Airports Division.  He brings more than 30 years of experience and service in state government, serving as Fiscal Management Officer for the Airports Division since 2007, until being named Deputy Director in May 2014.

Agenda:
12:00 – Welcome
12:05 – Ross Higashi, Deputy Director State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Airports Division
1:00 – Q&A

PATA Travel Mart Mini-Series 2021 – Wellness and Luxury Tourism

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Wellness and Tourism
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 – Friday, October 22, 2021 (ICT)

Shaped by new consumer priorities since the pandemic, wellness and luxury tourism are on the rise. These two segments of leisure travel overlap in a number of ways – this can be seen in the growing demand for boutique travel experiences offered by high-end hospitality brands. The prioritization of health and wellbeing show that luxury travelers want wellness experiences at the core of their getaways – and operators without these offerings may be missing out.

While not every wellness story comes with a luxury angle, the feeling of rejuvenation is a prized target for all levels of the market. From stress reduction at a secluded destination to active workouts with a group, these new trends bring along exciting opportunities for travel brands, inclusive of all price points.

Virtual PATA Travel Mart Mini-Series 2021: Wellness and Luxury Tourism builds upon the format of PATA Travel Mart, one of the longest-running travel trade shows in Asia Pacific. This targeted version offers a deeper look at specialised product offerings and Forum topics to help the global community prepare for recovery after COVID-19.

Buyers and sellers can register here. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, we are able to support the travel industry with free seller booths for PATA International Members!

2021 Food and Beverage Update

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Friday, June 25, 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom Webinar

Hawai’i’s restaurants, banquets, special events, and weddings sectors have been subject to changing State and County rules during the pandemic and continue to operate with limited capacity and COVID-19-related constraints.  This segment has faced additional challenges due to its dependence as well as collaboration with other tourism sectors such as lodging, transportation, and air service. Please join us for our conversation with industry leaders to discuss the impacts and opportunities of the pandemic; managing capacity, adjusting for the new county tiers, and your questions!

Moderator: Josette Murai, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB), Convention Services Manager

Panel:

  • 53 By the Sea – Tony Castillo, General Manager
  • Easley Designs / Love and Honesty – Jill Easley, Owner
  • Marriott Waikiki Complex – Stuart Y. Kotake, Associate Director of Catering & Event Management
  • Hawaii Restaurant Association – Greg Maples, Chairman

Trans-Pacific Air Service Update

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2018 Airline Update

Friday, May 21, 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom Webinar

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all sectors of Hawaii’s tourism industry. Airlines bringing visitors from the U.S. mainland to the four main Hawaiian Islands are among the hardest hit sectors. Please join us for our conversation with four of these  carriers to discuss topics such as the impacts and opportunities of the pandemic; what their networks look like post-pandemic – new routes and connectivity opportunities for passengers; how they continue to maintain the new health and safety enhancements that were implemented during the pandemic; and any questions or topics you bring to the panel. 

Moderator: Jeffery Eslinger, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB), Senior Director, Hawaii Market Insights

Panel:

  • Southwest Airlines – Kelly Knox, Outreach Lead, West Coast
  • Alaska Airlines – Daniel Chun, Director of Sales, Community & Public Relations – Hawai‘i
  • United Airlines – Ernie Young, Hawaii General Manager
  • Hawaiian Airlines – Leimomi Hall, Director Sales – North America

Adventure and Travel Mart Conference 2021

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Hybrid Travel Mart & Conference
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – Thursday, May 27, 2021 (ICT)

Asia Pacific’s leading travel trade event dedicated to the adventure travel industry is going hybrid this year! As travel restrictions ease and visitors start exploring the world again, the role of well informed travel agents and experts will be more important than ever. Join Hybrid ATCM 2021 to stay on top of the ever-evolving trends and discover the latest in unique and sustainable adventure products.

Conference
Explore the nuances, trends, and dynamics of adventure travel and responsible tourism at the event’s conference. Scheduled across two half-days for your convenience, the programme brings together international experts at the forefront of the adventure travel industry to discuss the sector’s issues and opportunities. Part of the conference will be delivered in a hybrid format in the Philippines and broadcast for all delegates to attend virtually.

Travel Mart
Meet adventure product buyers and sellers from across the world, including state, regional, and local tourism agencies from established and emerging markets, unique accommodation providers, and tour operators. Taking place on the virtual platform, buyers and sellers will be matched through appointment requests by appropriate timezones.

Ground Transportation: Curves Ahead

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Ground Transportation:
Curves Ahead in Hawaii’s Road to Recovery
Friday, April 30 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom Webinar

As Hawai‘i’s visitor industry starts to show renewed signs of life, the need for ground transportation is on the rise.  Will a shortage in rental car inventory threatens to cause a slow down on the road to recovery? With the U.S. market leading the recovery and with 70 to 80 percent of U.S. visitors typically renting cars, are other viable transportation alternatives available to visitors as they start to reappear in the Islands? Find out what our line-up of experts from Hertz, Charley’s Taxi, Roberts Hawai‘i and Hui think! These insights will help you better navigate uncertainty in the year ahead!

Moderator:
Janet Kuwahara, Maui Visitor and Convention Bureau

Speakers:
Dale Evans, CEO, Charley’s Taxi and Limousine
Joann Erban, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Roberts Hawaii
Kristine Wada, Marketing Manager, HUI
Seward ‘Akahi, General Manager, Hertz

PATA Youth Symposium

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Tourism as a Positive Catalyst
Tuesday, April 27, 10am – 11am (GMT+7)

We’re kickstarting the PATA Youth Symposium with a panel discussion that pits dreams vs. reality, and the battle for the future of tourism. Join us on the first day of the PATA Annual Summit 2021.

Many youths join the travel industry because of a deep seated love for travel, but there is also a firm belief within the PATA Youth community that this industry has significant potential to become a positive catalyst for sustainable and responsible development. What must we do to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past as we move forward in the post COVID-19 future? How do the youth envision the future of travel? How realistic are our dreams to rebuild the industry in a more sustainable and more responsible manner? Join us to explore the answers and connect.

PATA Annual Summit 2021

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If the industry must adapt and evolve, what new models should we consider? What must be done to ensure the responsible and sustainable revival of the travel and tourism industry? Join conference session, ‘New Models of Tourism,’ moderated by Raini Hamdi from Skift on the first day of PATA Annual Summit, 1 PM – 2 PM ICT/  GMT+7, to hear from Alain Dupeyras, OECD; John Perrottet, The World Bank; and Lauren Uppink Calderwood, World Economic Forum (WEF).

PATA 70th Anniversary: Photo Exhibition

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Established in 1951, PATA has been acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from, and within the Asia Pacific region. This year marks PATA’s 70th anniversary! To celebrate this incredible milestone, we curated an album with old photos that hold significant importance, nostalgia, and treasured memories. We warmly invite you to travel back to the 1950s with us! You might even find some of your colleagues in the album!