More than one hundred events and programs will receive funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) for the 2012 Country Product Enrichment Program. A budget of $1.6m for the 2012 fiscal year will be used.
A huge variety of events will take place under this program, such as Honolulu’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Narcissus Festival, Maui’s Pacific Whale Foundation’s World Whale Day and Kauai’s Music Festival’s Songwriter Conference. According to Mike McCartney, HTA’S President and CEO, “the wide range of events selected this year showcase what makes Hawaii a special place to visit and live, while also helping to draw visitors during the slower shoulder spring and fall season. In working with the counties, we were also able to select programs that are unique to each of the Hawaiian Islands and highlight our diverse and rich culture and heritage.”