Visa waivers to benefit tourism
HONOLULU - Hawaii tourism officials say if Taiwanese visitors no longer need visas, it would be a boon for the Aloha State.
Hawaii Tourism Authority Marketing Vice-President David Uchiyama said if that happens, a growth in visitors could mirror the tripling of visitors from South Korea, which received visa waiver status in 2008.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday that officials from China Airlines in Taiwan told Uchiyama the airline will look at resuming direct flights from Taipei when visas are no longer required.
Honolulu-based Dragon Tours & Travel President Marvin Chang said eliminating the $150 cost of a U.S. visa would remove a significant barrier for tourism to Hawaii.
Taiwan and U.S. officials say Taiwan would likely be granted visa waiver status by the end of the year.
