- by travelandtourworld
- 30 Oct 2024
WHY IT RATES: Travelers heading to Hawaii over the next three years are destined to feel the impact Rachel Kaiama will have on the stateâs tourism sector.âDonald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
The Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) announced that Rachel Kaiama has joined its team as Destination Manager. In her newly appointed role, Kaiama will oversee the implementation and reporting of Hawaii Islandâs Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) and Community Enrichment Program. The goal is to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period, while enhancing residentsâ quality of life and improving the visitor experience.
âMillions of people visit the island of Hawaii each year to enjoy its beauty, but the island is more than a tourist destination. Hawaii Island is home to over 200,000 residents and boasts a rich cultural history that must be preserved,â said Ross Birch, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau Executive Director. âRachel will be instrumental in executing and achieving our objectives to take the island of Hawaiiâs travel industry to new heights with a responsible approach to tourism where the destination and residents equally thrive.â
Kaiama is a travel & hospitality veteran with more than 30 years of experience. She comes to the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) on Oahu, where she has served for nearly three decades in a variety of roles, most recently as the schoolâs director of travel industry management professional programs.
âIn my career, I have seen firsthand the positive and negative impacts tourism has on the natural resources, to kamaaina and malihini, and to its unique cultural and historical importance that we cherish,â said Kaiama. âI am honored to join the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau and am eager to work for the preservation of Hawaii and the care of its people to ensure the islandâs prosperity for generations to come.â
Born and raised in Waimea on the island of Hawaii, Kaiama will return to her Hawaii Island roots and leverage her vast experience to promote a regenerative tourism model that will ultimately enrich and sustain the community and the environment.
âRachel is a timely addition to the team and will be working closely with the residents and community on Hawaii Island to ensure their voice is heard as the DMAP actions continue to move forward,â said Caroline Anderson, HTAâs director of planning. âHer efforts will help HTA achieve its overarching mission of Malama Kuu Home (caring for my beloved home) as we strive for a greater balance of tourism in our communities.â
A Delta Air Lines flight bound for New York City from Las Vegas made an emergency landing shortly after takeoff on October 29, 2024, due to fumes in the cockpit. Flight DL2133, originating from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and destined for LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York, reported an issue within minutes of departure, leading the crew to declare an emergency and return to the Las Vegas airport for a safe landing.
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