HTA hires manager for Japan marketing efforts

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s tourism agency hired a brand manager to oversee marketing efforts for the state’s largest international market, Japan.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority announced Tuesday it hired Miki Wakai as a tourism brand manager. She’ll work with contractor Hawaii Tourism Japan.

HTA President and CEO Mike McCartney said her experience will be valuable as the agency looks at innovative ways to grow the market and reach 2 million Japanese visitors by 2016.

Prior to joining HTA, Wakai worked at the Hilton Grand Vacation Club overseeing the marketing and sales office in Hawaii, while re-establishing its presence in Seoul, South Korea.