The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) has named Mathew “Manakō” Kenichi Tanaka as its new sales manager. In his role at the OVB, Tanaka’s responsibilities include oversight of sales activities in both leisure and meetings, conventions and incentives markets; implementation of travel trade sales tactics; and collaborating with OVB’s industry partners on sales-related initiatives. He will also assist with OVB’s crisis preparedness and management efforts.
Tanaka brings with him nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Prior to joining OVB, Tanaka was in the catering and convention services department at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Kapolei on O‘ahu. He also worked in the front office, training facilitation, and in public affairs as Disney Ambassador for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Tanaka developed and presented promotional and educational talks ranging from classrooms to conferences, and also coordinated community outreach programs.
Tanaka is currently a lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s School of Travel Industry Management, teaching a management by cultural values class.
Tanaka earned a Bachelor of Science in Travel Industry Management with a Hospitality Emphasis from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. OVB is managed by the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) and is responsible for building global destination demand for the island of O‘ahu.
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