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The Hawaii Tourism Authority is seeking a contractor to procure planning services for a Tourism Recovery Plan, which will support Maui and the state's economic revival following the Lahaina wildfires that began Aug. 8.
The selected contractor will support HTA staff and the HTA Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group — formed on Aug. 15 to address Maui communities and visitor industry impacts — in developing a messaging strategy, a Tourism Recovery Plan, and recommendations for future planning. Applicants must have proven experience in strategic planning and economic development, according to the announcement.
“As we continue to assess the needs of Maui’s people and how they envision rebuilding for the future, a Tourism Recovery Plan is critical to supporting Maui’s revival and the state's immediate, mid-term, and long-term recovery efforts,” HTA Board Vice Chair Mahina Paishon-Duarte said in a statement.
On Aug. 19, Gov. Josh Green declared a tourism emergency and unlocked the Tourism Emergency Special Fund, authorizing HTA and the Department of Budget and Finance to use money from the fund for Maui wildfire relief efforts. On Aug. 31, HTA approved the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan, centered around a new Malama Maui campaign that prioritizes rebuilding travel demand from the continental U.S., according to the announcement.
HTA has issued the Invitation for Bids through the Hawaii State eProcurement System. Applicants are required to register to submit offers at hiepro.ehawaii.gov. Additional inquiries can be sent to procurement@gohta.com.
Responses to HTA's Invitation for Bids are due by 2 p.m. on Sept. 27. Work will commence on Oct. 2 and end on Dec. 1, according to the announcement.