Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, said the state’s tourism agency anticipated making an announcement Tuesday on the selection of the management contract for the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC), but is still in the selection process and a decision has not yet been made.
“This is an important decision as we look to build and expand Hawaii’s presence as a global meetings destination,” said McCartney in a written release. “We encourage everyone to respect the process and we appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to exercise our due diligence.”
It was announced in early April that the HTA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide management of the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) in Honolulu. The HTA welcomes submittals from qualified organizations that have proven experience in convention, exhibition or other major public assembly management, including collaboration in sales and marketing for the meetings, convention and incentive (MCI) business.
Drawing from U.S. and international markets, Hawaii’s MCI business is unique, impacted by geographic location, multi-island make up and the destination’s resort-orientation. Within this environment, the HTA seeks to maximize the HCC’s economic impact, provide first-class service, understanding of cultural protocol to its customer base, and continually plan for and improve the MCI destination experience.
The HTA will select the offer determined most advantageous to Hawai‘i’s tourism economy, taking into consideration multiple factors including applicant qualifications, experience, sales and marketing approach and price, in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP. The selected organization will support the HTA’s “Meet Hawaii” MCI efforts.
The new contract under this RFP will replace the current contract that ends on December 31. The HTA plans to award the new contract in July. It will run for five years from January 1, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2018.
Visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.