We read an interesting article on Beat of Hawaii this week, covering plans to introduce a state visitor app in hopes to manage tourism. The app would implement pre-paid reservations for beach and park access using a tourist registration system for local hot spots that is inspired by the Disneyland app.
Treating Hawaii like the Magic Kingdom
Aimed at addressing overcrowding and preserving the natural beauty of Hawaii’s landscapes, the proposed system would require visitors to book their spots in advance, paying a fee to secure access to popular sites. This initiative intends to regulate tourism flow, minimizing environmental degradation, and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for both visitors and locals alike. However, concerns are raised regarding the potential impacts on accessibility and affordability, as well as the feasibility of implementing such a system effectively across all the islands.
As we know, managing tourism sustainably in Hawaii is complex, balancing economic benefits with environmental conservation and community well-being. While the pre-paid reservation system may offer a solution to over-tourism, its success depends on careful planning and collaboration between government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and local communities. We hope they can consider a holistic approach that considers various factors, including infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and visitor education, to create a more resilient and responsible tourism model for Hawaii’s future.
What do you think?
If approved and created, it will certainly be an important topic for guests of Waikiki Banyan! As owners and property managers, we will look to provide guests of our Waikiki rentals with the information they need to download and utilize the app during their vacation.
