Visitor Arrivals Increased in July 2013, But Spending Dropped Slightly

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, a total of 757,969 visitors came to the Hawaiian Islands in July 2013, or a 4.6 percent increase as compared to the same month a year prior.  However, visitors spent just $1.3 billion, which equated to 0.7 percent less than they did in July 2012.  HTA President and CEO, Mike McCartney noted that the state will clearly exceed the number of visitors and spending that were seen in 2012, but added that, "We must be innovative and work harder to remain price competitive, while offering a quality and authentic visitor experience that best highlights our people, place and culture."  According to McCartney, visitors have spent an average of $41 million per day so far this year.  Out of that, approximately $21 million was spent on Oahu, $11 million in Maui County, $5 million on the Big Island of Hawaii and $4 million on the island of Kauai.

One positive item that the Hawaii Tourism Authority noted was that the length of stay and visitor days to the neighbor islands increased in July. Experts hope that more visitors will travel to the outer islands, thus alleviating some of the compression on Oahu and helping to normalize prices.  Mike McCartney added, "Maintaining and increasing air access, distributing visitors across all of the Hawaiian Islands, and diversifying our market mix by increasing our meetings, conventions and incentives business will be priorities as we look to the second half of the year."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 8-30-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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