Hawaii’s tourism economy is on pace for a record-breaking year in 2012 with double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and expenditures through June. Hawaii’s tourism economy is on pace for a record-breaking year in 2012 with double-digit increases in visitor arrivals
Hawaii’s tourism economy is on pace for a record-breaking year in 2012 with double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and expenditures through June.
During the first six months, the state welcomed 3.9 million visitors that generated $7.1 billion in expenditures, an increase of $1.2 billion from the same period last year, said Mike McCartney, Hawaii Tourism Authority president and chief executive officer.
Hawaii continues to receive a growing number of arrivals from North America and other major markets, supported by additional domestic and international airlift.
On Hawaii Island, total visitor expenditures grew 4.3 percent to $130.8 million in June 2012, with average daily spending at $162. Total monthly arrivals rose 7.9 percent, led by increases from Japan (16.7 percent), the Eastern United States mainland. (6.6 percent), Western United States mainland (3.5 percent) and Canada (16.2 percent). Year-to-date, total arrivals to Hawaii Island increased 8.3 percent to 716,083 visitors, while spending grew 18.4 percent to $854.4 million, McCartney said.
“This positive momentum” is expected to continue through the second half of the year as airlift to the Hawaiian Islands expands with additional service by Allegiant Travel, Asiana Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and international charter flights, he added.
