The Hawaii Tourism Association (HiTA) has announced it has been successful in its goal to actively identify non-traditional markets that could be potentially lucrative for in-bound tourism for Hawaii.

“From the beginning, and one of the reasons why we started HiTA in the first place was because of overwhelming response that we have received after we did our initial survey utilizing eTurboNews’ readers. Some of the responses were quite predictable, while others were surprising,” said HiTA President Juergen Thomas Steinmetz.

According to Mr. Steinmetz, Russia has been identified as a market that could potentially bring in big business for Hawaii tourism. He said Hawaii can be accessed by the Russian market both through the mainland US, and also through Korea, Japan and with Hainan Air starting also through Beijing.

He added that the Russian market’s per day spending overseas is one of the highest of any tourism-spending nation.

That is why HiTA has sought the help of various organizations and entities, including the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Council. “Embassies and Consulates in more than 85 locations are ready to assist Hawaii with data, active support about Hawaii’s most important export, which is tourism,” adds Mr. Steinmetz, who has recently been selected as the chair of the subcommittee for tourism and member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Council for the US Pacific Region.

Among HiTA’s initiatives in luring the Russian market, according to Mr. Steinmetz, is the organization’s upcoming participation in three important trade events in Moscow from September 22-25, 2009. “One event is for the MICE (Meeting and Incentive business), luxury travel and leisure travel,” the HiTA president said.

This initiative is certainly an opportunity for Hawaii’s tourism industry, Mr. Steinmetz said. “HITA with the assistance of the Commercial Section of the US Embassy in Moscow invites Hawaii tourism business to team up.

Opportunities are to travel with HiTA to Moscow and attend the event, or have HiTA include your information at the trade show and share new contacts with the industry in Hawaii.”

Other new emerging markets have been identified and similar events are already planned in Singapore, India, Thailand, Poland, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong and South Africa.

HiTA is inviting industry members in Hawaii, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa to participate. Industry members should contact [email protected] or call 1-808-566-9900