The Hawaii Tourism Authority is reinforcing omments made by Governor David Ige at a press conference earlier this week where he said "now is not the time to travel" to the island.
"It will take six to seven weeks to see significant change in the number of Covid cases," Ige said. "It is a risky time to be traveling right now. Everyone, residents and visitors alike, should reduce travel to essential business activities only."
According to TravelWeekly.com, Hawaii Tourism Association president John De Fries issued a statement saying everyone is "responsible for working together to address this crisis."
"As such, we are strongly advising visitors that now is not the right time to travel, and they should postpone their trips through the end of October."
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hawaii continues to rise, as Honolulu County, which encompasses all of Oahu, suspended large, organized gatherings through Sept. 22, which includes trade shows, conferences and meetings, conventions, concerts and other live events, ticketed sporting events, sports tournaments and gatherings associated with weddings and funerals.
Ben Rafter, a Hawaii Tourism Authority board member and CEO of Springboard Hospitality, said he supported Honolulu County's move to limit large gatherings, while noting enforcement would be crucial to actually slowing the pace of infections.
"However, nebulous statements like suggesting people not come to Hawaii have long-term, harmful effects," Rafter said. "No one wants to book something in a state of uncertainty, and while the governor was focusing on now through October, the headline is, 'Don't come to Hawaii.'"
Despite the recommendations, the state has stopped short of issuing a formal travel ban.
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