Hawaii Hotel Occupancy Improving
First, on a bright side, we’re finally seeing a little glimmer of hope in Hawaii tourism. Occupancy rose in September, albeit slightly, for the first time in 18 months. Hospitality Advisors LLC reported September statewide occupancy of 64.6% vs. 63% a year earlier as the state saw a a 7.2% increase in monthly visitors to the state.
That bucks the nationwide trend, in which at nearly the same time (measured the week of November 7), occupancy fell 3.7%. This was reported by Smith Travel Research.
Hawaiian Air Strike Continues to Draw Nearer
The national mediation board will soon decide on declaring an impasse that will allow the pilot strike to proceed. That decision will follow talks scheduled for the week of December 7. Pilots have already voted to strike, although several steps remain before a strike can ensue. Its now safe to say that should a strike occur, it won’t happen until sometime after the beginning of the year.
