Governor Abercrombie Aims to Strengthen Asia Relations for Hawai'i and U.S.
News Release from www.Hawaii.gov/gov
Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie will travel to Asia from October 9 – 21, 2011 to visit with travel industry leaders and dignitaries in Tokyo, Okinawa, and Beijing. The Governor will be accompanied by Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) officials who arranged part of the trip in an effort to reach out to international markets and strengthen economic relations prior to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
“This trip is an opportunity for us to showcase what Hawai'i has to offer to the people of Tokyo, Okinawa, and China,” Governor Abercrombie said. “I’m looking forward to expanding on our relationship in those regions from the perspective of not just business, but travel and foreign policy as well.”
This will be the first international trip for Governor Abercrombie since taking office. The cost of the trip for the Governor, one staff member, and security is $28,641.98. The Governor will be attending meetings with HTA in Tokyo and Okinawa. He will then attend the National Governors Association (NGA) U.S. – China Governors Forum in Beijing before returning to Hawai'i on the October 21st.
HTA President Mike McCartney added, “The Asia market is of great importance to Hawai'i's tourism economy, especially Japan, China and Korea, and the Governor's presence will strengthen the strong historical connections that Hawai'i's people and our visitor industry have there.”
Schedule of events:
Sunday, October 9 Governor departs for Japan with HTA representatives
Monday, October 10 Arrival in Tokyo
Tuesday, October 11
Meetings:
Japan Association of Travel Agents
JALPAK
Japan Airlines
Trade Industry Partners
Trade Media
Depart for Okinawa
Wednesday, October 12 Arrival in Okinawa
Meetings:
Okinawa Prefecture Government
Participate in Uchinanchu Parade
Attend Okinawa Governor’s Reception
Thursday, October 13
Meetings:
University of Ryukyus/Ryudai, tree planting ceremony
with UH President MRC Greenwood and HTA
Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology
Worldwide Uchinanchu Takai Event
Okinawa Tourist Service
Friday, October 14
Meetings:
Okinawa International University
Okinawa Tourist Service
Okinawa Visitors & Convention Bureau
U.S. Consul General
Saturday, October 15
Meetings:
1st International Uchinanchu Ancestry Symposium
Okinawa Prefecture Museum
Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall
Okinawa Hawai'i Kyo Kai Reception
Sunday, October 16 Depart Okinawa for Beijing
Monday, October 17 NGA U.S. – China Governors Forum
HTA Meetings:
U.S. Embassy
Travel Industry Representatives
Chairman Shao Qiwie, China National Tourism Admin.
Tuesday, October 18 NGA U.S. – China Governors Forum
Wednesday, October 19 NGA U.S. – China Governors Forum
Thursday, October 20 Return to Honolulu
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