According to Hawaii Tourism Authority, approximately 65.1 percent of the tourist that arrived in Hawaii in 2013 were repeat visitors. The importance of these repeat customers is not lost on the tourism industry. David Means, the Director of Rooms for the Hilton Hawaiian Village, commented, "Repeat visitors are No. 1. Not only do they repeat, but they use word of mouth to tell other friends about Hawaii. Throughout the year I'll meet guests that are friends of so-and-so's and were told to look me up. It's a huge market for us."
Industry executives are worried, however, that there are several factors that may reduce this repeat market, including the number of homeless in Waikiki, rising hotel room rates and the higher cost of airfare. Jerry Gibson, the Area Vice President for Hilton Hawaii, commented, "The homeless challenge has created an entirely new dynamic on the industry. Compared to previous years, businesses in Waikiki have now learned to deal with the tremendous amount of social ills that come with this sad situation. In the past we did not have to be overly concerned with negative interaction on streets, beaches and public areas. Now hotels and businesses have to be ever vigilant to protect guests' interests."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-28-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
