November 20, 2008 - Governor's Weekly Radio Address - Promoting Hawai'i Abroad, Presented This Week by Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr.

Click here to listen to this address.

"This week, I returned from South Korea and Japan, where I met with key Asian business and travel industry leaders to promote tourism, business investments and partnerships in Hawai'i.  

During my trip, the Korean and Japanese airlines gave a firm commitment to maintain service to Hawai'i, and Korean Air announced they will increase service to Hawai`i early next year.  As a result of South Korea becoming a new Visa Waiver country, we anticipate the number of Korean visitors to Hawai`i will double in the first one to two years.

Governor Lingle is also visiting our partners in the Asia-Pacific region this week and has received the same commitment to Hawai`i's visitor industry.

Promoting tourism in traditional and emerging markets is one step in our Administration's five-point plan to strengthen our economy here at home."