The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) recently announced the resumption of its Community Enrichment Program (CEP), which supports community-based projects, festivals and events enhancing resident and visitor experiences, and creating opportunities for meaningful economic development.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) recently announced the resumption of its Community Enrichment Program (CEP), which supports community-based projects, festivals and events enhancing resident and visitor experiences, and creating opportunities for meaningful economic development.
HTA is partnering with the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Island Chapters to administer its 2022 CEP process. HVCB has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide funding support to qualified nonprofit organizations and projects in 2022 and is seeking proposals from the community.
CEP is a part of HTA’s commitment toward Mālama Ku‘u Home (“Caring for My Beloved Home”) and the Community pillar of its 2025 Strategic Plan. An RFP for this program was not issued for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and unavailability of funding.
“HTA’s Community Enrichment Program exemplifies various ways in which tourism can drive diversification for our economy by supporting community-based projects and experiences that are intertwined with other industries and sectors,” said Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, HTA’s chief brand officer. “CEP awardees will also be integral in moving forward each island’s Destination Management Action Plan.”
Proposals must correspond to one of the following tourism niche categories:
- Agriculture Tourism: Tourism related to experiencing and appreciating agricultural products, settings and lifestyles.
- Cultural Tourism: Tourism related to Hawai‘i’s multiethnic cultures providing residents and visitors with enriching experiences and insights into the history, customs, arts and traditions of the Islands.
- Culinary Tourism: Tourism related to exploring unique and memorable food and drink experiences offering a sense of the Islands.
- Nature Tourism: Tourism related to experiencing Hawai‘i’s natural attractions, unique flora and fauna, and culture in a manner which is ecologically responsible, economically sustainable, encourages the well-being of the community, and is infused with the spirit of aloha ‘āina.
- Education Tourism: Tourism related to formal and informal education and training in lifelong learning experiences connected to Hawai‘i’s unique natural and multicultural environment.
- Health and Wellness Tourism: Tourism focused on travel enhancing the mind, body and spiritual wellness of individuals, families and groups.
- Sports Tourism: Tourism focused on attracting participants or spectators in community-based sporting events, such as running, swimming, cycling, surfing, stand-up paddling, and wa‘a (canoe) paddling.
- Voluntourism: Tourism related to travel involving participation in volunteer work, typically for a nonprofit organization or community group.
“HVCB and the Island Chapters are proud to support and administer HTA’s Community Enrichment Program for Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui Nui and Hawai‘i Island, respectively,” said John Monahan, HVCB’s president and CEO. “It aligns well with our commitment to destination management by enhancing the unique offerings and treasured experiences developed by the community, for the community.”
The deadline for applicants to email proposals to their respective Island Chapter is 4:30 p.m. HST, November 5, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to review and download the RFP at www.hvcb.org/cep.
