Terry Ward
Updated on: October 16, 2024 5:56 am GMT
Hawaii is at the crossroads of tourism, seeking to balance revitalization with sustainability. Industry leaders recently gathered at the Hawaii Convention Center for a pivotal conference hosted by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). This year, the focus is not just on attracting tourists, but on ensuring that their presence benefits the local community and environment.
Regenerative Tourism Takes Center Stage
As the conference unfolds, participants emphasize the necessity of responsible tourism. Tamara Garrick from the Hawaii Farm Project remarked, “It’s a great time for us to regroup as an industry, get our messaging clear, figure out how we can collaborate and really make sure that tourism is working for our communities and not against our communities.”
Workshops and breakout sessions are designed to promote regenerative tourism. This approach aims to restore natural resources while educating visitors about the cultural and ecological significance of the islands. Topics like agritourism excite local businesses, encouraging practices that benefit both visitors and the ecosystem. Garrick shared, “It’s also about taking a pause and taking a moment for us as an industry to talk about the message we want to get out to visitors.”
Challenges in Tourist Recovery
While the spirit of collaboration filled the air, leaders recognized significant challenges ahead. Japanese tourists, a vital segment, have notably decreased. In August 2019, they contributed $237 million to Hawaii’s economy. This August, that figure fell to just $96 million. Factors contributing to this decline include a high inflation rate in the U.S. and a weak yen compared to the dollar.
Daniel Nahoopii, Interim President and CEO of HTA, noted, “Japanese visitors aren’t really traveling out of the country yet.” With the decrease substantially affecting local businesses, Hawaii’s top officials are working hard to win back this crucial market. James Tokioka, Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, stated, “There’s no other engine that drives the economy like the visitor industry.”
Efforts to Revive the Japanese Market
The state government is actively seeking solutions to bolster Japanese tourist numbers. Tokioka highlighted, “The governor and I went to Japan twice because we know the Japanese market is critical to Hawaii.” This reflects a concerted effort to recover lost ground effectively.
- Hawaii is collaborating with a Japanese credit card company, an airline, and a travel bureau for the first time.
- Millions of dollars are being spent on marketing initiatives targeting Japanese visitors.
Tokioka added, “Hopefully through our efforts at DBEDT and HTA, we can give people hope.” This showcases the urgency and commitment of industry leaders to restore tourism numbers.
Future Outlook
Despite their efforts, industry experts do not anticipate a full recovery in the Japanese tourist market until 2026. Currently, there are 60% fewer Japanese visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels. Tokioka expressed concern for local businesses, emphasizing how tourism is essential for their survival. “We want our local families, we want our local small businesses and our hotels to survive because we need that in Hawaii,” he said.
As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, the balance between attracting visitors and maintaining responsible practices remains a priority. The conference is a step towards building a sustainable future for Hawaii’s tourism industry, aiming to create a positive impact on the local economy and environment. With leaders rallying for change, there is hope that Hawaii can thrive once more as a top travel destination.
Hawaii is changing how it thinks about tourism. Instead of just trying to get a lot of visitors, they want to make sure tourism helps the community and is good for the environment. Even though there are some challenges, like fewer Japanese tourists coming back, the leaders in the tourism industry are still dedicated to making things better. They are working hard to create a more responsible and bright future for tourism in Hawaii.
