Hawaii Campaign Aims to Get More Tourists

Later this month, Hawaii will launch a $3-million promotional campaign designed to lure travelers to this state that has been hard hit by the recession, reconfiguration of airline routes to Asia (some no longer stop in Hawaii) and massive hotel development that has not generated a commensurate increase in visitors. Organized by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau, the effort will spotlight deals on lodging, food and entertainment. Since Oahu has been less affected by the tourist downturn (a steady stream of business travelers helps fill lodgings, travel experts say), primary focus for the visitors bureau campaign will be the islands of Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai.

Typical enticements will echo deals already in effect, such as a first-night-free package at the Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki. For this, guests who stay at least six nights at regular published rates will receive the first night free. Another kind of deal involves the inclusion of air fare in package deals, such as the Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays package to the pricey Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai. Another form of discounting will be add-ons--such as the free catamaran rides, cocktail shows, dinners for two and golf (these vary by hotel) for guests who stay in ocean-view rooms at any Sheraton Hawaii property.

Figures just released by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau show that 258,070 mainland visitors arrived during May, a 22.5% decline from the same month last year. The number of visitors from California--Hawaii’s biggest U.S. feeder market--was down 16.8% for May.

Travel Quiz: Which U.S. state has the most counties and which has the fewest?

Thai Day: And speaking of promotions . . . wounded by the 1991 Gulf War, the worldwide recession and this spring’s civil unrest, Thailand is scrambling to lure foreign tourists back with a $1-million campaign featuring deals on airlines, hotels and tours for travelers arriving in Thailand Aug. 12--the 60th birthday of Thai Queen Sirikit. Visitors who arrive that day will receive a free hotel room for one night, and the first 400 to arrive on Thai Airways that day at Bangkok’s Thai International Airport will receive free round-trip airline tickets between Bangkok and three other cities in Thailand (which must be used within three months). The promotion, “The World, Our Guest,” is designed to stimulate tourism, which was up 37% in the first quarter this year over last. However, according to Thai government statistics, hotel occupancy in Bangkok tumbled 14% in May. Among other promotional deals for those who arrive Aug. 12: The Assn. of Thai Travel Agents will provide all visitors with a choice between two free sightseeing tours--a Bangkok city tour on Aug. 12 or 13 or a visit to Bangkok’s Floating Market Aug. 13, and TAT Duty-Free Shops will give foreign tourists an additional 10% discount on all goods, including cigarettes and liquor.

Quick Fact: Most popular in-flight movie on airlines worldwide in 1991: “Home Alone.” Second: “Kindergarten Cop,” then “Class Action,” “Russia House” and “Ghost.” (Source: World Airline Entertainment Assn.)

Better Uncorking in Baja? While not as celebrated as their norte California cousins, a half-dozen or so wineries in Baja California bottle the majority of Mexico’s wines. Wine producers in the Guadalupe and Santo Tomas valleys (between Tecate and Ensenada) have begun marking their September harvest with the Fiesta De La Vendimia (Festival of the Vintage)--a 10-day grape lovefest that is scheduled for Aug. 14-23. Sponsored by the Wine Assn. of Ensenada, events will range from street parties in Ensenada and paella (a type of Spanish seafood gumbo) cooking contests to more subdued classical music and wine-tasting events at the wineries. For schedule information, call (800) 522-1516 or (619) 298-4105.

Becoming Hostel Hip: Low-cost lodging for travelers in California can be found with the help of Hostelling International’s “California Hostels” brochure--a free publication that lists all 30 of the American Youth Hostels in California that cost between $8 and $14 per night for dormitory-style accommodations. For a free copy, contact the AYH Travel Centre, 1434 Second St., Santa Monica 90401, (310) 393-3413.

Coping With Business Travel--She vs. He: Women business travelers seem to cope better with extended trips than their male counterparts do, according to a 1991 survey of 400 travelers who take at least one business trip of five or more consecutive nights in one hotel annually. According to the report, conducted by Residence Inn, women feel more stimulated by their work and more productive on extended-stay trips than men do. Women cope better than men with the loneliness and boredom inherent in being away from home for extended periods of time. And women credit their employers with doing a good job of helping them deal with the stresses of travel more often than their male counterparts do. Psychologists contacted by Residence Inn suggested that one reason for this could be that women--especially women with children--may view business travel as a rare opportunity for uninterrupted, personal time.

Para El Que Habla Espanol: United Airlines has established a special Spanish-language reservations service with a toll-free telephone number accessible from points throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Call the service between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. at (800) 426-5561.

Comparatively Speaking: Cruise ship sanitation scores for ships inspected in June (a score of 87 or higher indicates acceptable sanitation): Regent Star, 97; Rotterdam, 94; Sagafjord, 91; Sea Bird, 86; Sea Lion, 96; Star Flyer, 83; Tropic Star II, 72; Regent Sea, 93; Spirit of Discovery, 83; Spirit of Glacier Bay, 86. (Source: Department of Health and Human Services.)

Quiz Answer: Texas has the most counties with 254; Delaware has the fewest with three.