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

###