Gov. Linda Lingle poses with Chris Mitchell, vice president and publisher, and Hanya Yanagihara, author of Conde Nast's "Home at the end of the World." (Photo courtesy of the Governor's Office)

MEDIA RELEASE

Akin to a lifetime achievement award for the visitor industry, Gov. Linda Lingle explained that the recognition pays tribute to the hard work of men and women who spent decades establishing Hawaii as a premier visitor destination.

To coincide with the presentation of the award, Conde Nast’s July edition features a story celebrating Hawaii’s 50 years as a state.

The arrival of the first jet airplane in 1959 transformed Hawaii’s tourism industry and marked the start of a period of exponential growth, with visitor arrivals growing from less than 500,000 visitors in 1959 to nearly 7 million visitors last year.

Lingle noted the ways in which the visitor industry shaped Hawaii’s history as a state, as well as the ways in which statehood shaped the face of tourism in Hawaii.

“Statehood wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of dedicated individuals. Many are aware of the efforts led by government leaders and the public in the pursuit of statehood, but most aren’t aware of the involvement of Hawaii’s visitor industry leaders, who worked diligently to make Hawaii the 50th state,” the governor said.

Lingle also addressed the challenges that exist during these difficult economic times, as well as the opportunities for growth.

The governor told visitor industry leaders that her Administration remains focused on initiatives to upgrade airports, harbors, highways, parks and other public places frequented by our visitors, including the Administration’s $1.8 billion Capital Improvement Project plan, launched in December to stimulate the economy and create jobs. The Governor also shared that the state is moving forward with ongoing harbors and airports modernization plans.

“We need these projects to improve quality of life for our residents and to make visitors feel welcome the second they step off airplane or cruise ship,” the Governor said. “We can’t wait out the economic downturn. Every dollar we spend is an investment in the tourism industry and another step closer to economic recovery.”