HONOLULU — A new University of Hawaii report says developments in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan’s post-earthquake recovery and South Korea’s rapidly aging population, pose both opportunities and concerns for Hawaii’s tourism industry. The UH Economic Research Organization on Friday
HONOLULU — A new University of Hawaii report says developments in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan’s post-earthquake recovery and South Korea’s rapidly aging population, pose both opportunities and concerns for Hawaii’s tourism industry.
The UH Economic Research Organization on Friday released its first Asia-Pacific Forecast, in which a team of international scholars reviewed conditions and prospects for key countries in the region.
The report comes in the wake of Honolulu’s hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.
APEC promised to be a significant boost for Hawaii’s economy during a nonpeak travel period, but the report notes that actual results were a “mixed bag.” Waikiki hotels raised room rates substantially, and the neighbor islands saw higher occupancy as some visitors opted to stay away from busy Oahu.
“At the same time, there were also many reports of lost business in the Waikiki and Ala Moana areas, and total passenger arrival data for Nov. 5-15 were little changed from 2010 levels,” the report said.
Meanwhile, the tourism industry should brace for how South Korea’s rapidly aging population and slower economic growth will affect economies, including Hawaii, the report said: “Koreans will continue to travel abroad in increasing numbers, but slower economic growth will slow the growth rate of arrivals from Korea significantly.”
Still, Hawaii’s perceived safety, attractions including those featured on a challenger contest on Korean television, and Korea’s rapidly growing young golfing population will bode well for strong tourism to the islands, the report said.
Japan, still reeling from its March earthquake and tsunami, “remains the keystone of Asia-Pacific tourism in Hawaii,” the report said. Retirements among Japanese baby boomers present an opportunity for tourism by visitors with more time and money.
China’s growing middle class can be beneficial for Hawaii.
“At the same time, barriers to Chinese travel to the U.S. make China a tough nut to crack for Hawaii,” the report said, noting the difficulties in securing visas and the few flights that directly connect Hawaii with mainland China.
A sometimes overlooked market for Hawaii in the Asia-Pacific region is Australia, the report said: “Australians provide additional diversification as they are much more likely to be repeat visitors who have been to Hawaii before, and they are much more likely to be independent travelers not taking tours or packages.”
