The Hawaiian Islands in general, and Maui in particular, have been remarkably resilient over the last four years. First, Covid shut the islands down, and this quick action slowed the spread of illness to locals. When visitors were welcomed back, the proverbial floodgates opened, and talk of over-tourism began almost immediately. That delicate balance played out across all the islands over the next couple of years. Then, the town of Lahaina, Maui’s historical heart and soul, was destroyed by fire just last month, effectively shutting down tourism for several weeks. While the governor will officially welcome visitors back to all parts of the island (except Lahaina) on October 8th, the return will be understandably slow. Many travelers are reluctant to travel to Maui for fear of getting in the way of cleanup efforts and, more psychologically, visiting for pleasure while so many locals are suffering.
HVCB Appoints Scott Pauli as Executive Director for the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau
12.09.2023 - 18:43 / travelpulse.com / TravelPulse Staff / Patrick Clarke
Scott Pauli. (Photo Credit: Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau)
WHY IT RATES: The Hawaii hospitality management veteran brings nearly three decades of industry experience in the Hawaiian Islands.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) proudly announces the appointment of Scott Pauli as Executive Director for the Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau (IHVB), an island chapter of HVCB. He will begin work on Monday, September 18.
In his role, Pauli will oversee IHVB’s destination marketing in the United States – and support international marketing partners in Canada, Japan, South Korea, China and Oceania – as contracted by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) and through collaborative efforts with island partners, government entities, and various sectors within the hospitality, group market and related industries.
Furthermore, Pauli will be instrumental in guiding the implementation of the Hawaiʻi Island Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) and the 2023 Community Enrichment program on the island of Hawai‘i. These initiatives are designed to promote a regenerative tourism model that aims to enrich and sustain the local community and the environment.
“Scott will play a pivotal role as IHVB’s Executive Director, as he aligns with community values and brings a wealth of extensive industry knowledge to listen to the concerns of residents and also educate visitors on how to engage on Hawai‘i Island on a deeper and more respectful level,” said John Monahan, HVCB’s President and CEO.
“We are happy to welcome Scott to our ‘ohana, furthering our commitment to supporting the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s mission in regenerative tourism to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism for current and future generations.”
Pauli is a Hawaiʻi hospitality management veteran with nearly 30 years of industry experience in the Hawaiian Islands. Prior to joining the IHVB team, he was the General Manager for Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton where he brought great success in instilling Hawaiian cultural programs and championing community engagement in Hilo.
Over his career, he held various leadership positions at luxury resorts on O‘ahu, Maui and the island of Hawai‘i. Pauli studied International Commerce at San Diego State University in California.
SOURCE: Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau press release.
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