Originally Posted by
DenverBrian
Tourists are buying into the media hype and hotels are down on occupancy on the west coast. But there are no issues there, except for occasional vog. It's like saying you can't travel to San Diego because there are wildfires in Orange County.
In the aftermath of the 2011 Japan earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster, there was a feeling of "self-restraint" that lasted for several months. Even in unaffected areas like Tokyo, people did not want to be seen enjoying themselves when so many people were going through such a hard time.
Perhaps that feeling is having a bigger impact on Big Island tourism than actual fear for one's safety.