HONOLULU — Two tourism agencies launched an initiative this week to increase Japanese tourism to Hawai‘i starting in 2013. The state’s tourism agency, The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority met with the nationally sanctioned tourism association, the Japan Association of Travel Agents
HONOLULU — Two tourism agencies launched an initiative this week to increase Japanese tourism to Hawai‘i starting in 2013.
The state’s tourism agency, The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority met with the nationally sanctioned tourism association, the Japan Association of Travel Agents this week for the annual Japan-Hawai‘i Tourism Council meeting.
During the meeting in Honolulu, agency leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding effective Jan. 1, 2013, which commits the “Hawai‘i Two Million Visitors Initiative” launch in an effort to enhance destination promotions and attract at least two million Japanese arrivals to Hawai‘i in 2016.
The initiative is designed to stimulate visitor arrivals and spending to positively affect economic growth, job creation and new experiences.
“This MOU represents more than a business relationship and affecting the bottom line,” HTA president and CEO Mike McCartney said. “It is a natural partnership between the HTA and JATA that reflects and builds upon the historic bond, traditions, cultural heritage and long-term relationship shared between Hawai‘i and Japan. Working together on this initiative will help further strengthen our friendship.”
This target translates to an estimated $4 billion in annual visitor spending and $440 million in state tax revenue.
The agencies convened both Hawai‘i and Japanese tourism executives at an annual meeting to focus on marketing initiatives to stimulate shoulder season travel, attract new demographics such as first-timers, in addition to looking at ways to bring more Japanese visitors to all islands through on-going efforts to establish a second point of entry and pre-clearance access.
One HTA strategic plan priority is to find a balance between community and visitor benefits, while preserving and perpetuating the place and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.
“While many Japanese have traveled to Hawai‘i before, there is still a greater majority who have yet to visit the (neighbor) islands,” said Tatsuo Hayashida, board director of JATA. “The initiative offers an opportunity not only to capture a new market but also create first-time experiences for repeat travelers outside of Waikiki.”
Tourism executives also discussed the meetings, convention and incentive marketing segment to target following the success of the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.
“We would like to build upon the momentum and attention gained from APEC, which created new opportunities for growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said McCartney. “By capitalizing on this interest in our state as a premier business destination, we are able to secure long-term travel to the Hawaiian Islands from an emerging and growing segment.”
“We are grateful that JATA is mutually committed to this effort, which will benefit the tourism economy, our community and guests from Japan. The incremental $2 million allocated by the legislature this year for international market development will help us to achieve this initiative.”
