Hawaii Tourism Officials Look To Avoid Crisis
HONOLULU — New state figures show visitor arrivals dropped more than 14 percent in June compared to this time last year, and those in the industry said the backbone of Hawaii’s economy could reach a crisis if more is not done.
Industry leaders heard the bad news at a board meeting by the Hawaii Tourism Authority on Tuesday.
The outlook for Hawaii tourism is gloomy and even frightening for many in the visitor industry.
“I’ve never seen people as scared or as concerned about what is happening in our economy as they are today, and we’ve had airline strikes, we’ve been through the Gulf War, Sept. 11, but this is as scary as it’s ever been and it’s going to get scarier,” Hotel Lanai owner Mary Charles said.
Increasing fuel prices, the shutdown of two major airlines flying in Hawaii, the mortgage crisis and increased competition are among the reasons why fewer visitors are coming to the islands.
The neighbor islands are the hardest hit because of the departure of two major cruise ships, Hawaii tourism executives said.
That is why the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau went on a $3 million summer marketing blitz targeting the West Coast, which it said helped in the short term.
“That you can have experiences in Hawaii, that you can’t have anywhere in the world,” said Jay Talwar of the HVCB.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority also approved a new long-range marketing plan on Tuesday that includes creating new world-class events such as May Day and Mahalo Month in April.
Hotel executives said more must be done. Charles said visitors need to be reminded that airline ticket prices have stabilized.
One economy expert suggested contacting tourism and business students from the University of Hawaii to come up with a plan.
“It won’t cost you a lot and you’re going to get some really good new thinking by these people,” said Michael Fitzgerald of Enterprise Honolulu.
Hotel leaders said new strategies can found without additional dollars to help the state avoid a potential crisis.