Destination manger hired for visitors bureau

The Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau announced Monday that Rachel Kaiama has joined its team as destination manager.

In her newly appointed role, Kaiama will oversee the implementation and reporting of Hawaii Island’s Destination Management Action Plan and Community Enrichment Program. The goal is to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period, while enhancing residents’ quality of life and improving the visitor experience.

“Millions of people visit the island of Hawaii each year to enjoy its beauty, but the island is more than a tourist destination,” said Ross Birch, IHVB’s executive director. “Hawaii Island is home to over 200,000 residents and boasts a rich cultural history that must be preserved.

“Rachel will be instrumental in executing and achieving our objectives to take the island of Hawaii’s travel industry to new heights with a responsible approach to tourism where the destination and residents equally thrive.”

Kaiama, who was born in Waimea, is a travel and hospitality veteran with more than 30 years of experience. She comes to the IHVB from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management, where she served for nearly three decades in a variety of roles, most recently as the school’s director of travel industry management professional programs.

“In my career, I have seen firsthand the positive and negative impacts tourism has on the natural resources, to kamaaina and malihini, and to its unique cultural and historical importance that we cherish,” Kaiama said. “I am honored to join the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau and am eager to work for the preservation of Hawaii and the care of its people to ensure the island’s prosperity for generations to come.”