May is National Tourism Month. Hawaii remains a top visitor destination for many around the world but we've taken a hit in this difficult economy and the recent shutdown of Aloha and ATA airlines. But, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is working hard, pumping up marketing efforts with an additional $3 million. Ramsay Wharton headed to the Honolulu International Airport to tell us about a new program to help improve the aloha experience.

HTA provides funds to the State's Department of Transportation's Airports Division to provide for the Airports Greetings program. This includes the statewide airport and harbor greeting program. Po'okela entertains visitors with hula and Hawaiian music in the aiport's Main Terminal from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm and again from 6 to 10 every night. Pictures and video of the local performers are heavily taken, allowing travelers to get up close and personal. Some even join in the fun, taking some lessons and even joining the group. HTA officials hope this visible sign of aloha will make a big impression and lasting memory of Hawaii for travelers coming and going from Honolulu Int'l and other state airport facilitities.

Among the other tourism efforts, a new Hospitality Training Program for airport workers. The DOT subcontracted Nishihama and Kishida to develop an overall hospitality training program for aiport employees. The training includes classes and a trainers manual along with a DVD. The program, which is in the launch stage, is mandatory of all DOT employees.

The Hospitality Training Program is also being offered & recommended to all front-line airport workers who are outside of the DOT's jurisdiction, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), other law enforcement staff, airline ticket checkers, persons providing airport-related services and concessions, and to those who have some level of interaction with the traveling public and/or interaction with other employees which occurs in public view. HTA, DOT and Nishihama and Kishida are looking to establish a benchmark for the program, with the next step to get feedback from visitors.

HTA officials say the goal upon completing the class training, is to have attendees who are better informed and possess enhanced skills to demonstrate instant and measurable improvements in their capability to exemplify the Hospitality of Hawaii.

Rex Johnson says HTA will use $3 from an emergency fund to promote the islands among North American travelers. The Hawaii Tourism Authority hopes to convince those travelers that the state still offers a good value for a vacation despite an increase in airfares. The expenditure follows a fall in tourist arrivals after the sudden closing of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines and the rising costs of fuel, which has pushed airfare fares higher. Officials say domestic visitor arrivals were down nearly 8 percent last week compared to the same period a year earlier. Hotel operators say summer bookings are also down.

For more information on the Hawaii Tourism Authority efforts just click: http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org

Island Tourism Web Sites:

• Oahu Visitors Bureau: www.visit-oahu.com
• Kauai Visitors Bureau: www.kauaidiscovery.com
• Maui Visitors Bureau: www.visitmaui.com
• Big Island Visitors Bureau: www.bigisland.org

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