WAILUKU – The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED) announced the release of the Maui County Tourism Industry Strategic Plan (TISP) for 2017-26. The newly completed ten-year industry plan is the culmination of months of work by industry leaders, cultural advisors and community and business stakeholders. The plan was funded through a grant from OED to the Maui Visitor’s Bureau (MVB).

The plan is divided into four areas (Community, Culture, Environment and Visitors) and is intended to assist in future planning efforts for both government and industry.

Visitors spent approximately $4 billion in Maui County last year, making it the county’s largest industry.

“This strategic plan addresses the pillars of a healthy tourism economy that must be of benefit to local residents,” said Teena Rasmussen, OED director.

“It also must offer authentic cultural experiences and honor our indigenous Hawaiian culture, protect and maintain a pristine environment both on the land and in the sea, require our infrastructure to be adequate and in good condition, and assure that our visitors receive excellent service and be immersed in the aloha spirit.”

Sherry Duong, executive director of MVB, said the architects of the plan intended for it to be a living document.

“Together we created a much more accountable and action-oriented plan that will help shape our most important industry for years to come,” Duong said.

“It is important to maintain a healthy tourism economy, and our community must move forward together to protect Maui Nui’s position as a world-renowned visitor destination.”

MVB is tasked with conducting a checkup every year on the plan’s implementation, and it will provide a yearly report to the Office of Economic Development.

To view the Ten-Year Strategic Tourism Plan for Maui County, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, visit www.mauicounty.gov/oed.