The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau has been awarded the contract for the North America Meetings, Conventions and Incentives market by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

North America is the largest major market area for Hawaii’s visitor industry “and we are conficent that the HVCB’s extensive experience, knowledge and strategic approach will assist the HTA in developing new tactics” to meet business travelers’ needs, said Mike McCartney, HTA president and CEO, in a statement.

The new contract became effective Wednesday and will end Dec. 31, 2013, with HTA having an option to extend the contract period for three years to Dec. 31, 2016.