Based on the logistical coordination of the summit, as well as the positive feedback received from the State Department and APEC delegates, Hawai‘i’s efforts to host the high-level summit are being described as outstanding. More importantly, Hawai‘i is already experiencing the benefits of hosting one the world’s largest governmental, economic gatherings.
“Our primary goal was to make sure that the Summit was a success,” added Ho. “By the unanimously positive response from the attendees of Leaders’ Week and the CEO Summit, we know that we accomplished that task. And some of the other initial responses demonstrate that APEC has been a success for Hawai‘i on many different levels.”
Global Media Exposure
During APEC Leaders Week, Hawai‘i was in the global spotlight as approximately 1,200 registered media covered the summit. Powerful images of world leaders conducting business with Hawai‘i in the backdrop sent out messages that Hawai‘i is not only a wonderful place to visit, but also great place to conduct business. As of Nov. 14, more than 8,000 news stories mentioning APEC and Hawai‘i were listed in Google News, and the number continues to grow. Stories covered the high-level discussions and meetings conducted during APEC Leaders’ Week, along with stories about Hawai‘i as a business and leisure destination.
Positive Business Impact
Although it is still too early to assess the exact numbers, some businesses are reporting good results during APEC Leaders’ Week.
"We’re pleasantly surprised by early revenue numbers for key Outrigger properties," said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. "Based on what we’re seeing, I’m confident the APEC Summit had a net positive impact on our results, buoyed largely by higher-than-normal average daily rates during the week at select properties in addition to stronger food and beverage sales at a number of our property restaurants. We are certainly better off this month than had APEC not been in town."
“DFS Group has experience with previous APEC summits, including the APEC summits held in Australia and Singapore,” said Sharon Weiner, vice president of corporate communications and government relations for DFS Group. “Our results for Hawai‘i have been much stronger than what we experienced in Australia and Singapore. And our revenue during Leaders’ Week has surpassed our goals. In addition, we had the honor of unexpectedly hosting the president of Peru who decided to stop by the DFS Galleria to shop. It created a lot of buzz in the store and was an exciting event for our employees and customers.”
A comprehensive economic impact analysis is being conducted with results expected by the end of the year.
“For Hawai‘i, APEC is about building relationships in the Asia-Pacific region so that we can prosper in tourism, clean energy and higher education,” said Lt. Governor Brian Schatz who is also a member of the Host Committee. “We showed the world, and ourselves, who we are, and what we are capable of.”
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
