JALPAC Co.
Mr. Hiroki Egoshi, Jalpak International Hawaii
Mayumi Shirata, Assistant Manager, Overseas Dynamic Package Group, Overseas Planning Products Division
–First of all, please tell us about the current state of travel to Hawaii.
Hakuta: After resuming tours in April 2022, travel bookings have slowly increased, and in September, since the local PCR test is basically no longer required if you have been vaccinated, bookings increased even more, especially among elderly couples. In Japan, as the domestic infection situation gradually calmed down, we started a major sale at the beginning of this year, and reservations by people with children and honeymooners increased all at once. Many people are buying airline tickets, but we are also seeing an increase in the number of people using our travel products.
Momosaki: We offer dynamic packages, and we resumed tours in April 2022 when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lowered the danger level from 3 to 2. Until September and October, there were almost no bookings, but the deregulation has gradually increased the number of customers, and since the beginning of the year, bookings and departures have increased. We have also started a sale at the beginning of the year. We also launched a sale at the beginning of the year, and bookings began to come in, mainly from repeat customers. with the news of the easing of masks in March and the deregulation of the new type 5 coronavirus in May, there are high expectations for increased demand and travel momentum to build in the future. We hope to be able to work toward that goal.
–What should I be aware of when traveling to Hawaii today?
Hakuta: Since Golden Week is before the deregulation, a vaccination certificate is required for travel, but I think it would be a good idea to carefully check the news and the Internet for information on how the deregulation will be relaxed after Golden Week.
Egoshi: Since many of you will be traveling abroad for the first time in a while, I would like to remind you of general precautions regarding overseas travel, such as being careful about being left behind or having your car broken into. In the case of Hawaii, you should also check the differences in rules from Japan, such as fines for crossing the street except at crosswalks, and the prohibition of drinking alcohol at public places such as beaches and parks.
I also think that there are more opportunities to use smartphones than before Corona. For example, many restaurants are now using QR codes to read menus. Of course, they also serve paper menus if you ask for them.
–Please tell us about your future product development in light of the increase in airline seats.
Fujimoto: ANA has operated the Narita – Honolulu route on a daily basis since March 6, and since April 20, all flights have been operated by the FLYING HONU Airbus A380. The additional NH182/NH181 flights will be operated by FLYING HONU three times a week.
FLYING HONU is a double-decker aircraft, and first class, business class, and premium economy passengers can conveniently enter the aircraft directly from the airport lounge in Honolulu. We are thinking of strengthening our appeal with a focus on dynamic packages so that FLYING HONU travel will become popular.
Hakuta: JAL will operate the Narita-Kona route three times a week from July 15 to August 30! We are operating the Haneda route on a double daily basis and the Narita route on a daily basis for Honolulu, and we will increase the number of flights on the Kansai Airport route by one flight to four flights per week starting June 9, and on the Chubu (Centrair) route by two flights to three flights per week starting July 14. We believe that regional customers will be able to enjoy their trips as access from the regions will increase.
We will be running a summer vacation special on our website for the summer, and a special summer brochure will be available in late April. In addition to the digital brochure, we are wholesaling and will send paper brochures to each travel agency store.
–What do you think are the advantages of using a travel agency for international travel now that the effects of Corona are still being felt?
Hakuta: I think it comes down to safety and security. Rather than making arrangements on your own, having the support of a travel agency makes all the difference in the sense of security. JALPAK provides support of up to 100 million yen in the event of sudden illness during your stay, and locally there are two JALPAK Aloha Stations in Waikiki and one on the Big Island of Hawaii, with staff providing a variety of support services, so you can rest assured.
Fujimoto: The greatest advantage of our service is that we provide itinerary management to ensure the safety of our customers and the smooth implementation of their trip, including the reliable reservation and provision of transportation and accommodation services, and alternative service arrangements in the event of a change in plans, as well as the use of the Mahalo Lounge in Waikiki, open from 9:00 to 17:00 (* subject to change according to circumstances), 24/7, for any urgent local needs. We believe that the greatest advantage of this service is the availability of the Mahalo Lounge, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 9:00 to 17:00 in Waikiki (*Subject to change).
Even outside of Mahalo Lounge business hours, the Japanese-language Emergency Reception Center is available to assist customers with any problems they may have. ANA also provides a mini-app called “ANA Hawaii” within the ANA Mileage Club application, where you can check recommended spots in Hawaii on a map, as well as other useful information during your stay.
Egoshi: JALPAK Aloha Station offers a variety of consultation services, including reservations for optional tours, how to use smartphones including how to connect to local Wi-Fi, handling sudden illness or injury, and procedures for extending stays or changing airline tickets after corona infection. We have staff at the store from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and we also answer the phone. We also have a phone number for nighttime hours, so if you have any questions, we hope you will contact us right away.
We have been getting a lot of restaurant reservation requests lately. Hawaii still attracts many customers from the U.S. mainland, and it is difficult to get restaurant reservations once they arrive there. We are happy to answer your questions, including alternatives, free of charge. We recommend making reservations for restaurants and optional tours before you arrive.
–Please tell us about the latest tourist attractions you recommend on Oahu.
Fujimoto: How about the Waikiki Market supermarket that opened in January 2023? It is very convenient for those who want to barbecue or stay in condominiums or hotels with kitchens. There is also an eat-in space.
For repeat visitors, horseback riding and ATV experiences on the North Shore are recommended. You can make advance reservations prior to your trip or arrange for optional tours at the local Mahalo Lounge.
Momosaki: We are selling horseback riding and ATV experiences on the North Shore, and a portion of the proceeds are used for environmental preservation activities, so we would like to promote these activities as well. In addition, local expatriates have told us that donuts are in vogue. Mr. Egoshi, what do you think?
Egoshi: There is now a “Penny’s Malasada” store in the Royal Hawaiian Center and a “Holy Grail” store on Kauai Island. It is becoming easier to find specialty sweets from each island in Waikiki.
My recommended spot is the Luau Buffet, which started late last year on the roof of the Royal Hawaiian Center. In addition to a buffet-style dinner of Hawaiian cuisine, you can also enjoy a hula dance performance by several hula dancers. A luau or hula dance show in Waikiki can cost upwards of $200 per person, but this buffet costs only about $100.
There is also a package deal that includes the “Rock-a-Hula Show” that can be viewed at an adjacent venue. The location is also good, right in the center of Waikiki, making it a great spot for first-timers and families.
For repeat visitors, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay are recommended. Both have gone through the Corona Disaster and admission is now by reservation only, but many people are still unaware of this. The reservation system has eased the crowds and the water quality at Hanauma Bay has improved. Even if you have been here once before, you will enjoy the completely different scenery.
Diamond Head can be booked one month in advance and Hanauma Bay can be booked 48 hours in advance, but since Hanauma Bay is a popular content that sells out in 15 minutes, repeat visitors are advised to gather information and make reservations in advance.
In addition, the western part of Oahu is also a spot of interest. If plans for a new monorail line are carried out, access from the airport to the west side will become more convenient, and the number of visitors is expected to increase. On the west side, Hawaii’s first artificial surfing facility, “Waikai Wave,” opened its grand opening in late March at the new “Waikai” resort complex in the Hoakalei Resort.
–JAL operates the Kona route seasonally, but what are some of your recommendations for the Big Island of Hawaii?
Egoshi: Kilauea Volcano is a must visit for beginners to Hawaii. There have been several eruptions with the Corona Disaster, but it has calmed down now, so it is safe for sightseeing. It is truly a place where you can feel the living earth.
Many repeat visitors spend time there. The night stars are very beautiful on the Big Island of Hawaii, so why not go stargazing? You may also be able to see the fantastic rainbow “moonbow” that can be seen at night. You may also be able to see the “moonbow,” a fantastic rainbow visible at night, if the moon’s angle and other conditions are right.
© Source travel watch
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