Aloha Spirit Meets European Soul.
In Hawaii, high costs are continuing to nudge visitors to reconsider their destination choices. In Europe, affordability draws them in droves. This apparent shift in traveler priorities offers us a unique vantage point as we contrast disparate destinations with all too similar problems.
Can the islands’ approach to managing visitor impact inspire European strategies or will Europe instead lead in this new arena? Clearly, both Europe and Hawaii’s open-door visitor policies are undergoing major rethinking to preserve the very culture that makes it appealing.
See Hawaii, New York, Lauterbrunnen: Can’t Live With Or Without Tourists.
European advertisement geared to USA residents.
Robert: “I love Maui, but my last big vacation was to French Polynesia. It was wonderful. The people were so sweet and kind, and the environment was beyond insanely beautiful. Expensive? Yes, but I’d do it again. I’m already saving for my next Tahiti trip and slowly learning basic French. Sorry Maui, but you sort of alienated me with fees to visit the bleeping beach…I love Maui, but its just not worth it right now. I’ll get a lot more bang for my buck elsewhere, and likely be treated better, too.”
Eva: Europe is totally overcrowded right now, especially Italy and Spain.
New commenter Chris: “I live in the SF Bay Area and have lost all desire to visit Hawaii. It used to be an “easy” destination in the sense that it was 5 hours away with no language or currency changes. But now, Hawaiians blame their entire existence on visitors. Now, we go to Europe 2 times per year and love it so much more…even though it is an 11 hour flight. We leave for Greece June 17…the concept of Aloha is a joke.”
Larry: “People go on vacation to relax and get away from stress. Being lectured about how to come to Maui (respectfully)…is turning away even long-time visitors. Meanwhile, other tropical venues and Europe are welcoming. The goose that lays the golden eggs of Maui’s economy is on life support.”
Tom: “It’s actually much affordable for me traveling back to Europe were they welcome the tourist dollar. That being said, I’d like to congratulate anyone who had a direct effect at killing the tourist industry in Hawaii.“
Kazumi: “Heading for Barcelona this fall with cruise along the French coast down to northern Italy…Traveling off season, has been one way we use to mitigate our discomfort with the tourism crush.”
Mike: “We have always loved going to Maui…We were devastated to see the Lahina fire damage… and even more devastated to hear that as tourists we were unwelcome. We have decided to go to Europe this year. There is no sense going where you are not wanted. Aloha Hawaii!”
Bob: “My wife and I have been going to Hawaiian Islands for 30 years. If any one thing is discouraging us is the cost of accommodations. We went to Europe for 3 weeks for less money than the cost of 2 weeks in Hawaii.”
Sheryl: “Big difference from what other countries are doing and what Hawaii is doing. Placing a ban on future building of STRs in Florence is completely different than stripping current property owners in Hawaii…Is this a global issue? Yes, but the way the problem is being addressed is completely different. Perhaps Hawaii should take a few lessons from the “mindful” Europeans they so greatly admire.”
Looking Ahead: Sustainable global travel.
As we collectively ponder the future of global travel, it’s clear that sustainability must take center stage. Hawaii, with its delicate balance of tourism and tradition, may ultimately serve as a model for spots feeling the weight of their own popularity. It’s time for global conversations on travel—how we can wander wisely, respect our hosts, and still chase those travel horizon that beckon us.
Join the Conversation.
What’s your take on this shift in travel trends? Will you still join us in Hawaii? Have you swapped Hawaiian sands for European stones, or do you find yourself longing for the tropical embrace of the Pacific?
Drop us a comment below—let’s chart the course of travel together, with a touch of quirk and all the wisdom of the waves.
Source link : https://beatofhawaii.com/from-aloha-to-arrivederci-are-europes-open-tourist-arms-closing-doors-in-hawaii/
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Publish date : 2024-06-10 12:55:19
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