The Walshe Group has appointed Emily Watters in a new Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania role as the destination wraps its largest-ever Month of Lei roadshow across Australia and New Zealand.
Watters starts at The Walshe Group as Trade & PR Account Manager for Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania, strengthening the destination’s trade and communications team across Australia and New Zealand.
She joins from Anne Wild & Associates, where she managed a travel and lifestyle client portfolio, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Japan National Tourism Organization, AYANA Hotels & Resorts and Myconian Collection.
With more than five years’ experience in the travel industry, she brings established media and industry relationships, destination marketing expertise and a strong interest in travel and tourism.
In her new role, Watters will support the development and execution of integrated trade and public relations strategies across both markets, with a focus on driving destination awareness, industry engagement and visitation to Hawai‘i.
The appointment comes as Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania continues to build its profile with the travel trade, following the successful conclusion of its largest-ever Month of Lei roadshow across Australia and New Zealand from 4 to 8 May 2026.
The multi-city program drew more than 400 travel advisors across Auckland, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, bringing the trade together through events inspired by the spirit of aloha and Hawai‘i’s annual Lei Day celebrations.
Representatives from three Hawaiian Island Visitor Bureaus joined the roadshow, including Karishma Chowfin (O‘ahu), Brent Lausterer (Maui) and Maile Brown (Kaua‘i).
The roadshow also introduced Hawai‘i’s new global marketing campaign, ‘Hawai‘i Stays With You‘, which highlights the lasting connection travellers take home from the islands.
Advisors can also watch the 2026 Hawai‘i Showcase webinar, featuring destination updates and insights from across the Hawaiian Islands.
