The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) was caught red handed with a mountain of problems, ineffectiveness and favorism after a less-than-favorable audit. Hawaii lawmakers are pushing to hold the Hawaii Tourism Authority more accountable through a bill that would slash the state agency’s funding.
HTA President and CEO George Szigeti was under impressions, last year’s record tourism results — the 9.4 million visitors who came to Hawaii and the $16.8 billion that they spent — helped support 204,000 jobs and returned nearly $2 billion in taxes to the state.
What is overlooked of course is the reason Hawaii Tourism is booming. Can this really be accounted for activities by the Hawaii Tourism Authority?
Juergen Thomas Steinmetzis a global tourism leader, media entrepreneur, and veteran journalist with 40+ years of industry experience. Founder and Publisher ofeTurboNewssince 1999 and founder of theWorld Tourism Network, he has championed independent tourism journalism, international collaboration, and a stronger voice for destinations and tourism businesses worldwide.Read full biography »
