Starting on November 1, 2012, the United States will be offering visa-free travel for eligible Taiwanese citizens, allowing them to stay in the USA for up to 90 days on business or tourism. The hope is that this program will eventually lead to business and trade opportunities for the two countries, but an initial spike in tourism is expected almost immediately. President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Mike McCartney, noted that when a similar agreement was made with Korea in the end of 2008, Hawaii saw a 35 percent increase in Korean travelers to Hawaii in 2009. McCartney added, ”Korea has become one of the fastest-growing markets for our tourism economy. We anticipate seeing similar growth out of Taiwan following their entrance to the visa waiver program.”
In 2011 a total of 8,186 Taiwanese visitors came to Hawaii. Even without the visa waiver, the Hawaii Tourism Authority predicted at there would be approximately 10,642 arrivals by the end of 2012.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-3-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
