BY MIKE MCCARTNEY – We are extremely pleased the NFL will return to the Hawaiian Islands in 2013 for the Pro Bowl, and are grateful for our more than 30 year partnership. Many of us believe that there is no better place in the world to host this game.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has maintained ongoing discussions with the NFL leading up to today’s announcement. Together, we are committed to improving the quality of the game and overall experience, and are working to expand the Pro Bowl both in the Hawaiian Islands, as well as in Asia.
We will be pursuing new opportunities in Hawai‘i to benefit and engage our communities and youth across the state. Beyond Hawai‘i’s shores, we look forward to assisting the NFL in expanding upon their relationships in Japan, and help them to establish a presence in China – both important markets for Hawai‘i tourism.
The Pro Bowl in Hawai‘i is more than just a game – the NFL has helped to provide for our community through youth education programs, charitable contributions, community events and so much more. In addition to the worldwide media exposure for our Hawaiian Islands and the significant revenue and tax dollars generated by visitors who travel here specifically to attend the Pro Bowl, the game provides local businesses with an increase in activity and residents the opportunity to engage with players and experience a live professional football game.
Mahalo to Governor Neil Abercrombie, Speaker of the House Calvin Say, Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Mayor Carlisle and the City and County of Honolulu, Scott Chan and the Aloha Stadium Authority, and the entire community for their support in helping to bring the game back to Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i looks forward to building upon our longstanding relationship with the NFL Pro Bowl well into the future. We will work closely with them to create a quality game and incomparable Pro Bowl experience here in our Hawaiian Islands.
Mike McCartney is the president of the Hawaii Tourism Association