Industry embraces new tourism agency chief

Hawaii’s visitor industry reacted positively to the news that hotel industry leader George Szi­geti had been tapped to lead the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which markets the state as a travel destination.

Szigeti was selected from a pool of about 23 candidates worldwide, travel industry officials told the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser on Tuesday. He is expected to be confirmed as HTA’s new president and CEO at the next board meeting, filling the void left when former HTA President and Chief Executive Mike McCartney left his post in November to serve as Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff.

Szigeti, who is president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, declined to comment about the HTA position.

But several industry and political leaders, including state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, praised HTA’s choice.

"I’m happy about George’s appointment," Kim (D, Kalihi Valley-Moana­lua-Halawa) said. "He’ll do a really good job. I worked with him at the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, and I saw him grow into that position. He started without that much tourism experience, but he was very accessible, straightforward, open and enthusiastic."

Szigeti’s ties to tourism have grown over time. He was president and CEO of Better Brands Ltd., a wholesaler and distributor of beer, wine and spirits, from 1997 to 2012. He also is a past president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association and has served as a board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

Lorena Horiuchi, president of the Hawaii Business Travel Association, said Szi­geti has been a strong advocate for the industry.

"I think he did good at HLTA," Hori­uchi said. "He worked year-round developing good relationships with legislators. He’s got private-industry perspective, too. "

Szigeti, who spoke at a Hawaii Business Travel Association meeting Tuesday at the state Capitol, said he and HLTA monitored or took a position on about 49 state bills this session.

Four bills supported by HLTA, including one aimed at stepping up enforcement and tax collections for the burgeoning home-based vacation rental industry, advanced, he told the business travel group. Also, nine bills opposed by the organization died, he said.

"One bad bill can cost you millions, and one good bill can save you millions," Szi­geti said. "You have to be engaged, and you have to get to know your Legislature."

Keith Vieira, principal of KV & Associates, a hotel consulting firm, said Szi­geti has the right combination of business acumen, industry background and legislative connections to lead HTA.

"I think it’s a good choice," said Vieira, who is a past HTA board member. "He’s a real positive, action-centered guy who looks for ways to make things better."

Harris Chan, vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, said he fully supports Szi­geti’s selection.

"He’s been a proven leader for tourism here in Hawaii and has done a great job putting necessary focus on key industry and community challenges," Chan said. "He has proven to be successful with getting the support of both industry leaders and supporters to get results. He’s been on the front line of sensitive issues affecting our industry such as homelessness, redevelopment and taxation."

Szigeti was chosen to lead the HTA on April 17 by a selection committee comprising HTA Board Chairman Aaron Sala; HTA members Lorrie Stone, Craig Nakamura and Rick Fried; as well as community members Linda Wong and Barry Tani­guchi, and ex-officio member McCartney.

The committee recommended him to the board Thursday during an executive session. Following that closed-door meeting, HTA declined to identify the candidate because negotiations were ongoing. While the HTA did not advertise the position’s salary, McCartney’s last contract specified a base of $270,000.

Szigeti will replace Ron Williams, former HTA board chairman. Since McCartney’s departure, Williams had been volunteering as interim chief executive officer.

Joseph Toy, president and CEO of Hospitality Advisors LLC, said Williams did a good job. However, Toy said, Szi­geti’s selection brings HTA needed continuity.

"It’s important to have that position filled to provide for the long-term direction and management of HTA," Toy said. "The agency needs leadership stability."

Next up, the industry will look to fill Szi­geti’s former HLTA job.

"We are looking for someone who is a leader in the industry, consensus builder and a positive liaison between City Council, state legislators and the community — all on behalf of our entire industry," Chan said.

HTA also must fill Doug Murdock’s position as the agency’s vice president of administrative and fiscal affairs. On Jan. 1, Murdock began serving as Ige’s comptroller and as head of the Department of Accounting and General Services. HTA officials said they were waiting to fill HTA’s top slot before advertising Murdock’s former position.

Vieira said he expects HLTA will update the industry about Szi­geti’s departure and its transition plans at the May 26 board meeting. "The transition should be orderly," Vieira said. "It’s good for the association when someone goes to a more important position."

Kim’s name has come up as a possible candidate for the HLTA job in recent days, but she said Tuesday that she "hasn’t given it much thought and probably isn’t interested." Kim was replaced earlier in the day as Senate president by Sen. Ron Kouchi of Kauai in a leadership reorganization.