Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2013 - (Page 12)

TALK STORYwith George Szigeti We All Have A Stake in Tourism’s Success Aloha, Our tourism industry achieved a record year in 2012 and we are enjoying the benefits of renewed excitement and prosperity on all Islands as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. These outstanding results are testament to the synergy between the private sector, government, Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. And, of course, Hawaii’s success would not be possible without the daily commitment to service and hospitality shown by our industry professionals. As we begin a new year, I am reminded of just how meaningful our $14 billion-a-year industry is to our quality of life in Hawaii as we share our aloha with guests from around the world. amazing homegrown talent. The result: A growing number of kamaaina are moving up through the ranks into the top jobs in all areas of the industry. In the hotel sector alone, almost half of our general managers, department heads and executive and sous chefs were born and raised in the Islands. The community is enjoying a more vested stake in tourism and the prosperity it brings. Our universities and community colleges have proven pivotal in guiding the development of Hawaii’s future leaders, especially in tourism. I’m pleased to say that HLTA has established scholarships to create more opportunities for successful executive careers. At the start of each year, we salute our hotel industry workers at the annual Na Poe Paahana luncheon. Their sense Roberts Hawaii CEO Percy Higashi says his company is always willing to assist visitors needing emergency transportation. Last year the Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised a record $1.4 million. Among the growing number of kaimaaina taking leadership roles in the hospitality industry are, from left, chefs Christopher Okuhara of Miso & Ale and Sonny Acosta Jr. of Alan Wong’s Honolulu. Tourism has helped shape Hawaii into a cosmopolitan community with a wide range of lodging, shopping, recreational, dining and entertainment activities. Our industry supports local businesses, locally produced goods and products and generates tax revenues that help fund our children’s education and pay for the social services, police and fire departments and vital infrastructure improvements that our communities need. Tourism may be our business—but these islands are our home. The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA) is proud to be contributing to our Island culture of taking care of our families and neighbors. It’s estimated that HLTA members contribute some $6 million annually in cash and in-kind donations to community and charitable causes throughout the state. Our managers and employees give thousands of hours of their own time to help people, from building homes and aiding the elderly to teaching at schools and raising funds for good causes. Last year’s Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised a record $1.4 million that will go to charities and nonprofit groups statewide. Tourism in Hawaii provides all kinds of jobs and all kinds of opportunities. There’s equal opportunity for everyone to succeed, and companies are increasingly recognizing Hawaii’s 12 Hawaii Hospitality ■ January/February 2013 of enterprise and commitment to the aloha spirit contributes to the richness of the experiences for our visitors. Round the clock, day in and day out, Hawaii’s workers are there, from the moment visitors arrive to the moment they leave. They are the face of Hawaii tourism and they do a wonderful job. In 2012 we incorporated “Tourism” into our association’s name to more purposely reflect our representation of the industry. It also signals our intent to enlist a broader range of members, such as restaurants and retailers, who have an equal stake in tourism’s success. With strength in numbers and unity of purpose, we can build an even stronger constituency for the promotion of a positive business environment. As we start the New Year, our mission at HLTA remains to be an effective advocate for tourism in government affairs while ensuring balance with the needs of our communities and kamaaina statewide. We are committed to creating lasting value for our members and sharing a common goal to make Hawaii a better place for everyone to work and live. Mahalo! George Szigeti is president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA).

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2013

Contents - Checking INN
Making of a Host
Chutes, Ducts and Traps
Outstanding Security Professional
Clean Talk with Rose
Talk Story with George Szigeti
News Briefs
Associations
New Restaurants

Hawaii Hospitality - January/February 2013