PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: November 20, 2024
Aubrey Hord Photography Announces Qurator Elite Certification
HONOLULU – Maui commercial and portrait photographer, Aubrey Hord Photography is excited to announce its Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Qurator certification acknowledging the company’s commitment to responsible tourism. Qurator, the State of Hawai‘i’s official mark of excellence for Hawai‘i-based and operating businesses, serves to guide visitors to Hawai‘i products and experiences that incorporate responsible tourism practices, while adding value and recognizing those businesses for their positive contributions to the environment, community and economy.
“Qurator isn’t just a stamp of approval,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair. “It speaks to a set of brand values for the Hawaiian Islands, that we care deeply about our land, our people, our culture, and our guests. It’s a recognition of the interdependent relationship between businesses, visitors and our broader local community.”
To achieve Qurator certification, businesses are evaluated based on the program’s six categories of criteria: Environment, Cultural Support, Equity, Safety, Community, and Guest Experience.
“Qurator exemplifies HTA’s commitment to championing businesses and organizations that enrich our community as a whole,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “Many travelers want to make responsible choices, and with Qurator, visitors can easily identify businesses that align with their values and contribute to a more sustainable, regenerative Hawai‘i.”
Qurator was designed as a community-first program, seeking input from more than 100 outside groups before the criteria were written. This broad base encompassed more topics than any other program of its kind. A 24-member advisory committee of representatives from the visitor industry, business associations, government, and non-profits also provided guidance to the development of Qurator.
To learn more about Qurator, visit www.qurator.travel.
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About Aubrey Hord Photography LLC
Maui Photographer Aubrey Hord specializes in commercial and portrait photography both on-location and in her full-service studio located in Pukalani Maui Hawaii. Hord is a Certified Professional Photographer with a Photographic Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America. Established on Maui in 2008, the studio is a woman-owned and operated small business based in Hawaii. The photography studio is a proud Business Member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of pre-tax revenue back to local environmental organizations. For more information, visit Aubreyhord.com or follow on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
About the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is the state agency responsible for representing The Hawaiian Islands around the world, and for holistically managing tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with community desires, economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, and visitor industry needs. HTA works with the community and industry to Mālama Hawaiʻi – care for our beloved home. For more information about HTA, visit hawaiitourismauthority.org or follow @HawaiiHTA on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X.