This year’s tournament is slated from July 24 through July 28 and includes 30 teams, the largest number of teams in modern HIBT history, from Australia, Bahamas, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and throughout the United States,
SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce awarded its Pualu Award for Visitor Industry Marketing to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament at its Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon today. The Pualu Award recognizes leaders and businesses whose outreach made a difference in the community. The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Visitor Industry Marketing Award recognizes the marketing efforts of the Hawaiian International Billfish Association over the past 47 years. Marketing efforts have positioned the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament as a tournament built on prestige, trophies and strict rules for big game world records governed by the International Game Fish Association.
The Visitor Industry Marketing Award honors Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament’s successful image that is reflected in its world renowned reputation and its success in building awareness of Kona’s appeal to travelers seeking adventure experiences.
“All of us involved with the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in this 47-year Kona tradition are thrilled to receive this prestigious Visitor Industry Marketing Award,” said Petert Fithian, tournament founder.
“Throughout the years, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament has cultivated many Kona community relationships and garnered enthusiastic support from local hotels, restaurants, shopkeepers, car rental agencies and Kona’s charter boat operations. This marketing accolade is shared with all of you in Kona who have worked with us to develop Kona’s unique sport fishing industry and culture,” Fithian said.
Last year, the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce awarded the Big Island Visitors Bureau with its Pualu Award for Visitor Industry Marketing.
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament is sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and numerous corporate and community donors.
This year’s tournament is slated from July 24 through July 28 and includes 30 teams, the largest number of teams in modern HIBT history, from Australia, Bahamas, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and throughout the United States, including California, Florida, Hawaii and North Carolina. The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament will be shown nationally on The Outdoor Channel.
