The Hawaii Tourism Authority and NFL “started meeting this week to find ways to boost the Pro Bowl’s economic impact on local businesses and the state, market the game overseas -- especially in Asia -- and, possibly, to sign a long-term deal with the league to keep the game in Honolulu,” according to Mark Abramson of the PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS. HTA officials said that the meetings are “being held by the recently expanded Pro Bowl Hawaii Host Committee and the NFL,” and will address “subjects such as business development, attendance, players/players’ spouse experience in Hawaii, media exposure, the military and the community’s experience.” NFL officials are “participating via video conference.” The "committee is chaired" by Hawaii resident and Bengals co-Owner Dr. Edison Miyawaki. HTA President & CEO Mike McCartney said that the marketing effort includes “working to develop travel packages by reaching out to airlines, tour companies and other businesses in the tourism industry.” The committee also “wants to look at ways to attract people from the Neighbor Islands to the game and what the NFL can do around the state.” Hawaii Pacific Univ. College of Business Administration travel industry management professor Jerry Agrusa said that reaching out to Asia to market the Pro Bowl and the NFL “could be difficult.” He said that the NFL “doesn’t have a star from that part of the world.” McCartney said that another goal is “to reach a longer-term deal to keep the game at Aloha Stadium” (PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS, 10/5 issue).
