Honolulu to Host 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival

Hawai’i To Host 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival

HONOLULU-The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, is pleased to announce that Hawai’i will host the 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival.  The seven-day event to be held in Honolulu, is the first of its kind to be held in the United States and is expected to bring more than 1,500 veteran players and supporters to the islands. 
 
“We look forward to hosting this first-time event to the United States that will increase Hawai’i’s sports presence on a global level and inject a boost to our tourism economy,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA.  “Sporting events such as this not only have a positive economic impact on tourism for our state, but also generate invaluable media coverage worldwide and enhance our resident’s and visitor’s quality of life, providing opportunities for enthusiasts to attend, participate or volunteer.”
 
HTA played an instrumental role in meeting and coordinating with local organizing groups and event planners, bringing stakeholders together to make Hawai’i’s winning bid for the Rugby Carnival possible, including beating out other destinations who boast a larger number of rugby followers. Hawai’i Tourism Oceania, HTA’s marketing partner, will also be providing marketing support for the event. 
 
More than 60 teams from countries including Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, England, France, Spain, Germany, South America, Australia, and South Africa are expected to participate in the 2012 Rugby Carnival.  Included in the week-long event are three playing days, two major social functions and island sightseeing and activities.
 
“Vintage rugby is a rapidly growing international movement for mature rugby players,” said Cormac O’Carroll, president of Hawaii Sports Inc., a local sports event management company assisting with coordination of the event.  “We would like to thank HTA for their vision and support in bringing this emerging and exciting sport to Hawai’i.”
 
The 2012 Carnival will have two categories for participation, men ages 35-45 years and men ages 46 years and over.  Previouscarnivals have been held in Ireland (2004), Argentina (2006), New Zealand (2008), and South Africa (2010).
 
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future.  Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai’i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.  For more information on the HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.