Hawaii Gov. David Ige joined the state’s mayors last week to announce the lifting of many pandemic restrictions on Dec. 1 in a bid to attract more business travelers.
“These steps serve to revitalize our visitor industry at an appropriate time, with our state’s vaccination rate ranked among the highest in the nation, coupled with the health safeguards for domestic travelers that are required by Hawaii’s Safe Travels program," said John De Fries, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. "The modified federal restrictions on international arrivals and the continuation of Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate provide additional safeguards.”
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In addition to the announcement from the governor, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the lifting of capacity limits and social distancing requirements for events on Oahu, a key to resuming meetings and conventions at the Hawaii Convention Center and other resort properties.
“Capacity restrictions being lifted for events on Oahu is welcomed news for Hawaii’s meetings, conventions and incentives market and the Hawaii Convention Center, as it will allow us to retain group bookings and secure new group business,” De Fries said. “The announcement gives meeting planners added confidence to book events and reassure attendees they will have a safe and memorable visit here in the Hawaiian Islands.”