A flight from Paris, France, to Salt Lake City has done well for the destination resorts of Utah. With that in mind, Utah tourism officials are eagerly supporting a potential flight from Tokyo.
As in Europe, the North American West is a hot commodity in Asia, tourism officials tell The Park Record. But important is whether the U.S. dollar remains low relative to the Japanese yen.
Delta Air Lines is considering starting direct flight service from its hub in Salt Lake City to Tokyo.
Yesterday the Governor’s Office of Economic Development said it agreed to give Delta $250,000 after the airline brought up the idea. That money would be added to a $2 million incentive package being funded by local businesses and governments to lure the new connection.
Delta spokesman Anthony Black says the company is considering adding the route because of the success it has had in offering direct flights from Salt Lake City to Paris.
State officials say that if Delta accepts the incentives offer, flights to Tokyo could begin next year.
The state also says the flight could lead to business opportunities not only in Japan, but also South Korea and China. Officials believe it could bring $90 million and 1,100 new jobs to Utah.