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for Growth by Hawaii Tourism Groups |
| July 20, 2001 - Educational tourism in Hawaii has grown rapidly over
the last few years. This growth is partly attributed to the state's efforts
at focusing on this segment of the tourism market, which has significant
value added benefits and helps broaden and diversify our visitor industry.
To encourage continued growth, and in support of Hawaii's educational programs, tourism service providers and education-related activities, DBEDT, along with its business partners has arranged a mission to Japan from September 8-15, 2001 to promote educational tourism and school excursions. Co-sponsors include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. "As a means to promote cross-cultural awareness, overseas school excursions have increased recently among public and private schools in Japan," said DBEDT Director Seiji Naya. "Our research indicates that over 12,000 students came to Hawaii from Japan last year, an increase of 50% over the previous year, as part of organized school excursions. That number is expected to top 20,000 in the near future. This represents a potential $31 million boost to Hawaii's economy...a boost for educational attractions and school programs seeking new opportunities for international outreach." "School excursions are important to Hawaii because these students may be future undergraduate and graduate students in Hawaii's colleges and universities, repeat visitors to Hawaii, and even future executives doing business with Hawaii," Naya said. To take advantage of existing relationships, the mission will be targeting the Tokyo and Osaka markets. Educational specialists and tourism and activities representatives in Hawaii are urged to join the mission in order to:
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State of Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism Dennis Ling 587-2755 [email protected] |