Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Unveils New Board, Chedi Expands

By Pune Media On Aug 16, 2025

Hawai‘i, tourism, sustainability, Miami, luxury, Niseko, skiing, Norway, Marriott, India

Thinking about hosting a meeting in Hawai‘i? The newly appointed advisory board at the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is charting a fresh path for tourism, rooted in local values, cultural stewardship and sustainable growth.

Dreaming of a Jet Age touchdown in Miami? A Pan Am-inspired private terminal is set to open at Miami International Airport (MIA) in 2026, complete with midcentury design, a reflecting pool courtyard, private TSA lanes and more.

Craving après-ski with a Japanese twist? Chedi Hospitality will bring its signature alpine luxury to Niseko in 2029, offering prime ski-in, ski-out real estate in one of the world’s top winter destinations.

As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Appoints New Advisory Board to Align Tourism With Community Values

A fresh slate of 12 appointees has joined the newly reorganized Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Advisory Board, following the mass resignation of the previous board earlier this summer. Gov. Josh Green called for new leadership to rebuild trust and better align the state’s tourism strategy with local values and sustainability goals.

The diverse advisory group includes leaders in hospitality, labor, media and community development, such as Kimberly Agas, general manager of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa; Danny Ojiri, vice president at Outrigger Hospitality Group; and Lisa Paulson, CEO of Maui Food Bank and former head of Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. Emmy-winning TV host and cultural advocate Lanai Tabura and SAG-AFTRA Hawai‘i Executive Director Mericia Elmore also joined the board.

“This is about more than just managing tourism—it’s about making sure our decisions support the people who live here,” said Gov. Green. “We’re starting fresh.”

For meeting and event planners, this shift may signal a new emphasis on cultural sensitivity, community engagement and sustainable practices in how Hawai‘i approaches group travel, incentives and destination marketing.

Former Pan Am Headquarters to Debut as 1960s-Era Private Terminal in Miami

A new private terminal is landing at Miami International Airport, promising a return to Jet Age glamour with 1960s architecture, a reflecting pool courtyard and all the perks of modern luxury air travel.

PS MIA, the latest outpost from premium terminal brand PS (formerly Private Suite), will open in spring 2026 inside the historic Pan Am building—nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Miami”—which will be restored to preserve its midcentury modern elegance. Travelers can expect expedited TSA and customs screening, plus access to five private suites, a Palm Beach-inspired salon with a bar and gourmet dining, a day spa offering massages and manicures, and direct tarmac transfers.

With pay-per-use access and full suites, the terminal offers high-end convenience for luxury groups, VIP incentives and executives flying commercial but expecting the private jet experience. For meeting profs, it’s a premium perk that could elevate arrival and departure to an experience in itself.

Chedi Hospitality Announces First Japan Property in Niseko

Luxury brand Chedi Hospitality is heading to the slopes of Japan with the announcement of The Chedi Niseko, its first property in the country and a major milestone for the brand’s expansion in Asia.

Set to open in June 2029 in the heart of Hirafu, the boutique alpine hotel will blend Chedi’s signature design-forward luxury with seamless access to Niseko’s world-class ski terrain, nature experiences and culinary scene. As part of its lead-up, Chedi plans to launch seasonal pop-up culinary activations over the next three winters, offering a taste of its fusion of global flavors and Japanese hospitality.

The move further establishes Chedi’s alpine footprint, following properties in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia’s Trojena, and presents new potential for incentive groups and high-end corporate retreats in one of Japan’s most in-demand four-season destinations.

Havila Voyages and HAV Group Chart Course for Climate-Neutral Coastal Fleet

Havila Voyages and HAV Group have announced a new partnership aimed at delivering a climate-neutral and eventually zero-emissions fleet for Norway’s iconic Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route. The collaboration, revealed during Arendalsuka, the largest political gathering in Norway held annually, will ensure that both existing vessels and future newbuilds meet the stringent environmental standards expected in the next government contract period.

Havila CEO Bent Martini emphasized that achieving climate neutrality is possible with current technology and urged policymakers to uphold strict emissions criteria. “Our message to politicians and decision-makers is clear: Climate neutrality should be an absolute minimum in the next contract. And we will deliver on that from day one,” he said.

As part of its commitment, Havila is planning a fully climate-neutral roundtrip this fall using biogas and its ships’ existing battery packs—an industry-first if successful. For meeting profs and corporate groups prioritizing sustainability, the evolving fleet could soon offer a compelling new option for green travel and incentive experiences along Norway’s scenic coast.

Marriott to Open Six New Hotels Across India in Major Deal with Brigade Group

Marriott International has signed a multi-property deal with Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited to open six new-build hotels across four Indian cities, expanding the brand’s southern India footprint with nearly 1,000 rooms under five Marriott Bonvoy brands.

The portfolio includes high-profile projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala, a 70-villa retreat with private pools and backwater access slated for 2029, and the 250-key JW Marriott Chennai OMR, opening in 2030 with spa, garden and 1,400 sq. m. of meeting space near the city’s IT corridor. Additional properties include new Marriott, Courtyard and Fairfield hotels in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai and Bengaluru.

The expansion signals growing demand for luxury and business travel in India and brings new opportunities for planners seeking elevated event venues in emerging and established markets.

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