Travel analytics firm MMGY just released its Global Portrait Of American Travelers Survey. What it reportedly shows won’t surprise Hawaii aficionados.
First, the study demonstrates that optimism associated with travel, in general, has returned to pre-COVID levels. It is also predicting the same massive summer rebound that we have been telling you about here in Hawaii.
In MMGY’s 31st year of study publication, they found “Unprecedented optimism from leisure travelers in advance of the summer travel season.”
They also indicated that safety continues to be integral to demand being restored, and therein, Hawaii truly shines. MMGY said that “The top states of interest among U.S. travelers over the next two years are Hawaii (64%).” That is followed by Florida, California, Colorado, and Alaska.
Hawaiian Airlines’ CEO Peter Ingram concurred with these findings in a comment yesterday, saying that “The pent-up demand for travel is really manifesting itself.”
It is also interesting to note that just 19% of leisure travelers are planning an international trip within the next six months. That is yet another big plus for domestic while exotic Hawaii.
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I’m not surprised at all by the rebound in travel to Hawaii. It was interesting to see comments over the last few months that, due to some of the confusion over travel rules, Hawaii would have a tough time reestablishing its tourism. I never believed there would be a long-term aversion to travel to Hawaii. The reality is that the draw is just too strong, regardless of disappointments many may have experienced. When my plans for last year were canceled, we immediately began planning for this year.
We had to cancel 2 trips to Hawaii in the last 2 years – 1 for cancer and the other because of the pandemic. I would love to try to book another vacation but not if masks are required and not everything is open. I’d rather wait until things are back to normal, maybe next year.
Why spend all that money if you can’t be free and enjoy everything about your vacation?
Aloha BOH. Mahalo for the daily updates. For Charles. The Hawaii Discount Car Rentals site is worth it for you to look into. They offer a wide range of choices. Been a long time traveller to the islands and you really to to do some research to avoid being overcharged. Hope you enjoy your Hawaiian vacation to the fullest of your dreams.
Hi Debra.
Thanks for the input on Hawaii car rentals.
Aloha.
We just got back from Maui on Monday. Best vacation I’ve had in decades. Weather was perfect and the people were so nice. Now we are planning a 2022 trip. The only issue is the car rental shortage, but we were able to get one at a decent rate.
Mahalo to BOH for keeping us informed!
Hi Dave.
Glad you had a great vacation and thanks for letting us know.
Aloha.
Aloha, What a timely article. I literally just finished booking our trip to Maui for the last week of May. Fortunately, we got good nonstop airfare on Hawaiian and I think we just got in under the wire to get a rental car, not the one we would want but something that will work. We have all been vaccinated so fingers crossed that Covid does not curtail our plans. Can’t wait to get back to Maui, it has been a number of years. We are coming to spend our Biden bucks so leave the light on Maui! Thank you for your very up-to-date and timely articles.
Hi Tammy.
Thanks, Glad it all worked out well for you to return to Maui.
Aloha.
definitely the prices have sky-rocketed and direct flights are sold out through Southwest and Hawaiian Air. Hotel prices have sky-rocketed. To reserve a full size SUV for the week, it’s going to cost me $1600. Crazy. That’s a down-payment on a car.
As a homeowner at the Beach Villas, we’re certainly seeing this at our property in Ko Olina. The hotels have space but we’re fully booked.
Dear Alfred, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Oahu next year & I’m getting very excited & can’t wait! My itinerary is already completed & now I’m starting my hotel research.
I appreciate the efforts of the islands to make the experience safe for travelers and for the locals who live a no work on the islands. I am very disappointed in the lack of regard of many of the visitors who do not wear masks when sharing hallways with staff or when running on narrow walking paths. The rules are the rules and as visitors we owe it to the Hawaiians to respect the rules they have established.