February 6, 2026 - February 6, 2026

Presented by TTRA Hawaii Chapter and PATA Hawaii Chapter

Join TTRA and the PATA Hawaii Chapter on Friday, February 6, 2026, for a full-day forum focused on the economic forces, travel trends, and market dynamics shaping tourism in the year ahead. Hosted at the Prince Waikiki (Piʻinaio Ballroom), this annual gathering brings together industry leaders, researchers, and destination professionals for timely insights and meaningful conversation.

From global economic forecasts to lodging, air, and international market trends, this forum is designed to help attendees make smarter, data-informed decisions in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.

Event Details

Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM
Location: Prince Waikiki, Piʻinaio Ballroom
Format: In-person

Featured Speakers and Moderators

Session I: Economic Trends & Forecasts
Moderator: Chris Kam, President, Omnitrak Group

  • Erik Evjen, EVP, Tourism Economics
  • Dr. Paul Brewbaker, Principal, TZ Economics
  • Dr. Seth Colby, Chief State Economist

Program Highlights

Session II: Lodging and Air Ticket Booking Trends
Moderator: Daniel Nahoopii, Lead, Industry Data and Research, Global Tourism & Destination Advisory, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

  • Jeffrey Eslinger, Senior Director of Market Insights, Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau
  • Bianca Porto Baga, Senior Sales Manager, Destinations, Agencies, Airlines, and Airports, Amadeus

Session III: Condo-Hotel Trends
Moderator: Justin Nakaahiki, Managing Director, Destination Marketing Hawaiʻi, Board, PATA Hawaiʻi

  • Matt Bailey, President & CEO, Castle Resorts & Hotels
  • Carly Clement, Vice President, Hawaiʻi Vacation Condos by OUTRIGGER

Session IV Luncheon: Airport Modernization Plan Updates
Ford Fuchigami, Airports Administrator, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation

Session V: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Updates
Jill Byus Radke, Public Affairs Officer, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

Session VI: International Market Trends
Moderator: Daniel Nahoopii, Global Tourism & Destination Advisory, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

  • Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
  • Akari Goto, Director of Sales, Honolulu Branch, Rakuten Travel Hawaiʻi LLC
  • Kelly Strickland, Regional Director of Leisure Sales, Hilton Hawaiʻi

Networking Opportunity

The forum concludes with a special networking session in collaboration with the PATA Hawaii Student Chapter, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with emerging leaders and future professionals in tourism and hospitality.

Why Attend?

  • Hear directly from leading economists and tourism analysts
  • Gain practical insights into lodging, air, and international market trends
  • Connect with peers across research, destination management, and industry sectors
  • Start 2026 with clarity, context, and community

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