According to data released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the 2012 National Football League Pro Bowl Game generated a total of $25.3 million in visitor spending and $2.8 million in taxes for the state of Hawaii. This was a decrease from the $28.15 million generated in 2011. The HTA also noted that only 15,098 visitors arrived this year specifically for the Pro Bowl event, a decrease from the 17,048 that came the year prior.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has been working with the National Football League to create a new contract to keep the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. According to HTA president and CEO, Mike McCartney, “While the Pro Bowl beyond 2012 is still undecided, we continue to be in conversations with the NFL and hope that we can maintain our long-standing relationship.”
Critics of the Pro Bowl returning to Hawaii point out that the state pays the National Football League $4 million a year to host the game on Oahu. Some experts believe that one solution would be for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to find a title sponser and co-brand the event, thus reducing the cost to the state of Hawaii. The Hawaii Tourism Authority estimated that the publicity generated by the 2012 Pro Bowl, was approximately $271.6 million, thanks to the 12.5 million North American television viewers.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-10-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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