John De Fries has accepted the offer to become the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s new president and CEO. The HTA Board of Directors unanimously agreed during the August 27 board meeting to make an offer to De Fries. He will start on September 16.
“Hawaii’s pathway to economic recovery and enhanced community well-being will require unprecedented levels of focus, collaboration, cooperation, coordination, and unified executive leadership throughout all sectors. I am grateful to have been chosen to lead the Hawaii Tourism Authority,” De Fries said.
Born and raised in Waikiki, now living in Kona on Hawaii Island, De Fries was raised by family elders steeped in Hawaiian culture. He has more than 40 years of professional experience in the tourism and resort development industries. His recent visitor industry experience includes serving as executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. He is also president and principal advisor for Native Sun Business Group, a busin
Native Hawaiian leaders: Proposed tourism funding cuts would be a âdisasterâ
Native Hawaiian groups ramp up pressure to save funding for Hawaii Tourism Authority By HNN Staff | April 21, 2021 at 5:29 PM HST - Updated April 21 at 5:47 PM
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Native Hawaiian groups are ramping up pressure to save funding for the Hawaii Tourism Authority as lawmakers consider a massive cut.
A bill, which was recently amended by the Senate, seeks to eliminates HTA funding for programs that support visitor assistance, local entrepreneurs, sustainability and cultural training.
âHelp us . prevent the turning back of the clock to the dark ages of Hawaii tourism,â said former Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Peter Apo, a founding board member of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association.