According to a report released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the number visitors to the state of Hawaii decreased by 0.7 percent in April 2014 and collectively spent 2.2 percent less than they did during the same month a year prior. While the Hawaii Tourism Authority assures the public that the tourism industry is doing well as a whole, it is definitely not doing as well as it had done over the past two years, where records for both arrivals and spending were set. Mike McCartney, the President and CEO for the Hawaii Tourism Industry, stated, "The HTA anticipates a continued slowdown through the second quarter of 2014, a traditionally slower travel period for the state."
According to McCartney, the decrease can be attributed to a decline in Hawaii's cruise ship industry, growing competition from other vacation destinations, and the strengthening dollar, which means that international visitors are able to spend less while they are here. The Hawaii Tourism Authority hopes to start diversifying its international markets to places like China, South Korea, Taiwan, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. McCartney added, "Developing these newer markets creates opportunities for attracting first-time, higher-spending visitors to Hawaii. Through the strategic and collective efforts of our industry, marketing and other stakeholder partners, we will continue to work together to balance and strengthen Hawaii's tourism economy."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-30-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
