Originally Posted by
hailstorm
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.
It was certainly the same in China after the Chengdu earthquake, long after the official mourning period.
OTOH, in New Orleans after Katrina, first they were encouraging visitors to come back, then there were the ninth ward tour buses, etc. Still, locals seemed to appreciate the business generated by visitors and were trying their best to make NOLA a good place to visit again.