The state will once again look for a contractor to market the islands as a destination for American tourists after its initial award was rescinded.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority had originally issued a request for proposals for a contractor to provide tourism destination brand marketing and management services for the United States — the islands’ largest visitor market.
The contract would have started on Jan. 1.
But Mike McCartney, the director of the state Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism, rescinded the offer last month.
As the head of the purchasing agency, he oversees all procurement for the department.
McCartney, who previously headed the tourism authority, said in a statement, “We determined that the solicitation did not provide for consideration of all factors of significance to the agency.”
No further details were provided.
The current contract with the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau will be extended for up to six months to continue marketing to the U.S. market.
A new request for proposals will be issued in the coming weeks.
