HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) announced the promotion of Sue Kanoho to managing director of the HVCB Island Chapters.
The Island Chapters include the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau (KVB), O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, and Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau.
“Sue has been with HVCB for more than 26 years as the Executive Director for KVB. In her role, she has earned the trust of the island’s community by being well-connected through participation in organizations and committees on Kaua‘i. While she remains in her role at KVB, she will play a pivotal role as the managing director of our Island Chapters,” said Tom Mullen, the interim HVCB President and CEO.
“She is the longest tenured of the Island Chapter leaders, and has had the most experience working with all levels of government on tourism, economic development, resource management, and emergency response and recovery. We are thrilled to promote Sue and recognize her efforts, commitment and dedication.”
In her role, Kanoho will lead the Island Chapters with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, county and state officials and departments.
Kanoho will be responsible for the Island Destination Brand Management and Marketing Services contract, including leading the development and execution of the Island Chapter strategy which focuses on HTA’s on-island support, HTA’s Global Marketing Team Familiarization visits, media, and travel trade education and FAMs, promotion of Native Hawaiian values, places and traveling pono.
Kanoho started as the executive director of KVB in 1997, and has been charged with managing Kaua‘i as a visitor destination. In her leadership role, Kanoho’s work includes overseeing advertising, public relations, television production, travel trade promotion and improving the Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan.
Prior to joining the KVB team, Kanoho was the executive director of the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board for 10 years.
Kanoho is also heavily involved in numerous community-based organizations, including the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, the Royal Coconut Coast Association, the KEDB, Visitor Aloha Society of Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i.
