Back to Hawaii News index

Posted: Wednesday, September 5th, 2012 8:53 AM HST

Hawaii to benefit from push for Japanese to travel

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — The Japanese government's call for citizens to relax in an effort to find normalcy after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami could help improve tourism to Hawaii. Japanese officials are urging residents to travel within the country and abroad. JTB Hawaii President Keiichi Tsujino tells the Honolulu Star-Advertiser travel for the string of national holidays in Japan known as "Golden Week," fared better than last year. He says, "Hawaii is still the destination of dreams." Hawaii Tourism Authority Vice President of Brand Management David Uchiyama says the effort has increased travel for weddings and other events that bring people closer. Hawaii also benefits from a perception of being a safe destination. He says Japan arrivals to Hawaii are about 7 percent above target.