The following Q&A with University of South Carolina research professor Rich Harrill, an expert on hospitality and tourism, looks at what’s happened in Hawaii and how other tourism destinations have bounced back from natural disasters. Compared with other destinations, Hawaii is very reliant on tourism – it comprises about 25% of the state’s economy. Maui County has the state’s highest reliance on tourism, with 51% of its jobs falling into sectors directly associated with tourism. This is a process that’s led by groups known in the travel industry as destination marketing and management organizations. Working with their local destination marketing organization, local governments should make decisions carefully about inviting visitors back.

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Persons: Rich Harrill, Patrick T, Fallon, who’s, Hurricane Katrina, Iniki Organizations: CNN, University of South, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic, Tourism, Kahului, Getty, Hurricane Locations: Maui, Lahaina, University of South Carolina, Hawaii, Maui County, Kahului, AFP, New Orleans, Kauai