Historic Hawai‘i Foundation and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will present a one-day forum on issues and opportunities for heritage travel on October 31 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
The keynote luncheon will feature Andrew Te Whaiti speaking about ways that historic preservation and heritage tourism are mutually beneficial, and models for successful collaborations. Te Whaiti is managing director of The Department of Discovery Limited in New Zealand, and is the former CEO of Te Puia, a culturally-based tourist destination in Rotorua.
The plenary talk will be provided by Andrew Witt, the executive director of the St. Johns Cultural Council in St. Augustine, Florida. The Cultural Council administers the Tourist Development Tax program for Arts, Culture and Heritage Programs for the county.
Other sessions will address historic interpretation and visitor experience; stewardship and authenticity; marketing and sharing stories of place; and economic development. The final session will be discussion-focused to bring together the various opportunities for collaboration and overcoming barriers for improving heritage tourism in Hawai‘i.
In addition to the sessions, the Forum will include an exhibit room where heritage sites and travel industry operators may showcase their services and have opportunities to network.
A limited number of scholarships for registration and travel stipends will be offered to encourage and support the participation of a broad range of professionals and community leaders.
Early bird registration ends August 31; general registration is open through October 21. Keynote Luncheon-only tickets are also available.
Information, registration, scholarship applications, exhibitor forms and sponsorship opportunities may be found at the website below: