I really don’t care what the state’s official or unofficial marketing arms think of me. I’m way more concerned about how I’m treated by the people I meet and interact with in person.
If San Francisco visitors fit their “profile of what they’re looking for” then I guess that means they want visitors that take a c___ on the streets, urinate everywhere and are homeless. Yep, HCVB really blew it this time.
Well I can say any marketing has zero affect on us. We know what Hawaii offers and we love our trips there. I can see the marketing having some effect on first time visitors, but anyone who returns likely doesn’t need tourism bureau marketing. I’m not offended at all be the HVCB noting San Fran people fit their “profile”. It’s just a statistical number game where they use imprecise questionnaires or surveys to find their marketing sweet spot. I can tell you my East Coast money is a green as the money on the West Coast and our return to the islands is based on our love for Hawaii based on first hand experiences.
I do appreciate any tourism groups fighting more obstacles to travel and expenses. If added fees are necessary maybe you’re not taxing resorts and rental agencies enough, but singling out travelers for additional fees and further dividing “locals” from tourists is not helping the Aloha spirit.
You have made a salient point, and I agree with you. Most visitors to Hawaii are Not deterred by all of the “We don’t want you here” talk. If anything, it makes many stubbornly want to visit even more. 🙂
I’m in Maui, and although I’ve noticed a decrease in visitors from last year at this time, Hawaii is still an extremely popular, beautiful place that represents a trip of a lifetime for many people. Barring something really catastrophic, I don’t feel that’s going to change drastically any time soon, at least I don’t feel or see it yet.
Very disappointing to hear this. I have visited Hawaii yearly from 2001 to 2022 except for Covid year. I now feel differently about going. The comments over the last few years reveal ungratefulness from a state who wants respect from their visitors.
What an interesting marketing concept: alienate 99% of travelers to the islands while generalizing and stereotyping the other 1%.
I live in the BayArea and have for all of my 66 years and I can definitely understand why sf travelers want to escape the city. It’s not because they’re ‘mindful’ as evidenced by the state of sf right now. The city has become a 3rd world cesspool and that’s not the fault of people from LA of the rest of the state or country.
Clearly, this marketing genius has not been to sf in the last 50 years and if he did go, it’s likely he was put up at the Ritz Carlton and never left his room.
Good luck with courting only folks with the mind virus that has led to the city’s demise.
DanvilleSanRamon.com blogger Dan Hunt recently posted about SF: “Tourism, particularly from Asia, has been slow and conventions have gone elsewhere—staying away because of the homeless and drug scene in San Francisco to say nothing of the costs.”
Maybe HVCB should be marketing to those conventions who have abandoned the Bay Area vs stereotyping the “ideal” potential visitor. Money in SF is tight as 30% of commercial property is vacant and people are in a mass exodus.
It’s all expected because of HVCB’s mantra of curbing “overtourism”, and looking for “quality, not quantity” in their visitor composition. I have heard this mantra over and over again, even at county council meetings. And with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at the helm receiving millions of dollars, this chant will only be solidified over time.
Although it’s rather silly to consider SF as more environmentally conscious or having more wealth than LA, the major thrust is just to reduce tourism and have a more exclusive visitor base. Why even say something like that unless the purpose is to offend the rest of the world and discourage them from visiting?
Don’t worry Maui. I’m not from San Fran, but I still have the money to spend! Spent a lot of vacations at the Hyatt Regency Maui over the years. All these issues with Hawaii from flights to the locals not wanting as there has switched our vacation plans May I suggest a beautiful Viking River Cruise down the Rhine instead of Hawaii. That’s what we did in April instead of coming to the islands. Also the Amalfi coast. What a beautiful vacation that was. Aruba is our go to now when we want a bit of Island life. They love tourists and treat you like royalty.
This is nonsense. Just because someone doesn’t have a million bucks in the bank, Hawaii Visitors Bureau doesn’t want them? I believe that most visitors from across the country save up all year to go on a trip to Hawaii – of course, now with the inflated prices for airfare , hotels, food and merchandise, they probably have to save up for 2 – 3 years just to be able to afford this vacation. My husband and I try to visit Oahu at least once a year because my best friend whose like a sister, and my other bestie, whom I worked with for a very long time at the Phoenix VAMC live there And because we Love Hawaii. So, hopefully we’ll be welcome there as Ohana when we make our next trip.
Good Morning. I have to agree with your appraisal of travel to Hawaii and the state being undecided on a path forward. It’s strange that Hawaii doesn’t want tourists on one hand, but is giving away trips nearly every day on mainland TV shows. Also, one group only wants super rich to come. (like don’t bother if you have a budget) but being on a budget doesn’t mean you don’t spend money in stores, gift shops, tours, etc. I believe the “green fee” will end up in court due to the 14th amendment, and go away. People talk about low income tourists, while complaining about entitled rich tourists. Perhaps some of the collected money could print a booklet for seatback pockets to explain culture and expectations while visiting. Visitors are trapped in a tube for 5 hours, you know. Possibly extend to locals the importance of showing Aloha to guests who make the Hawaiian economy. Last, charging admission is fair but booking a vacation not knowing if you can get in the attraction is not good. Spend thousands and get turned away. Need to have a central booking to coordinate more than 30 days before your trip. Thanks for letting me vent. It’s a beautiful area with many wonderful people. Don’t let a few squeaky wheels guide the future of the islands. Respectfully, Thank You.
What about visitors from the east coast of the mainland?
We love Hawaii, its people, sights and culture. The U.S. dollar is the same and gladly accepted in other beautiful vacation spots. Politics and judgmental attitudes that are all too pervasive in our country is destroying even the most pleasant attempts of enjoyment.
May the HVCB exemplify the Aloha spirit to all who come to visit and spend their money.
I wonder if any of these HVCB members have been to San Francisco lately? Another case of be careful what you wish for. Plus, I love how they completely focus on the west coast travelers. I guess those of us who travel to Hawaii from east of the Mississippi River and have done so nearly every year for 30 + years are just chopped liver. My feeling is that those who return many times, travel 15-20 hours to get there and stay for longer periods are more likely to be respectful of the land and the people than those who hop on over for a few days.
You had an article last week about the negative attitudes of some native Hawaiians towards tourists. Sounds like the Hawaiian bureaucrats are feeding the flames of discontent.
“In the end, squabbling HVCB received $38 million for US marketing, while the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement got $27 million for destination stewardship and visitor education.”
In case you are wondering where that 20% lodging tax (State TAT+ County TAT + GET) is going
What kind of people are employed by these 2 agencies? To describe a “type” of visitor is far different that to describe a specific locale. The foolishness of this preference is clear on its face. A location, especially and urban location, does not determine a person’s specific behavior. And it is behavior that determines desirability. Not to mention, they’ve targeted a location that has lost its own desirability to visitors because it’s own crime rate, puts visitors there directly in harms way. If a group cannot keep its own house in order, how then can you say that group is most desirable?
Wow. We’ve been visiting Hawaii since our honeymoon in 1978. Remarried at Coco Palms twice. Been to every island, special trip to Merrie Monarch Hula Festival because we love the culture. But, hey, go ahead and cater to the San Franciscans. Maybe they can bring some homeless friends with them. We’ll never find a place as special as the Hawaii we love, but we’ll keep looking. Aloha.
This is what happens when marketing is managed by the big money supporters of politicians. Constant case of “foot in the mouth”
changing messaging.
I really don’t care what the state’s official or unofficial marketing arms think of me. I’m way more concerned about how I’m treated by the people I meet and interact with in person.
If San Francisco visitors fit their “profile of what they’re looking for” then I guess that means they want visitors that take a c___ on the streets, urinate everywhere and are homeless. Yep, HCVB really blew it this time.
Well I can say any marketing has zero affect on us. We know what Hawaii offers and we love our trips there. I can see the marketing having some effect on first time visitors, but anyone who returns likely doesn’t need tourism bureau marketing. I’m not offended at all be the HVCB noting San Fran people fit their “profile”. It’s just a statistical number game where they use imprecise questionnaires or surveys to find their marketing sweet spot. I can tell you my East Coast money is a green as the money on the West Coast and our return to the islands is based on our love for Hawaii based on first hand experiences.
I do appreciate any tourism groups fighting more obstacles to travel and expenses. If added fees are necessary maybe you’re not taxing resorts and rental agencies enough, but singling out travelers for additional fees and further dividing “locals” from tourists is not helping the Aloha spirit.
You have made a salient point, and I agree with you. Most visitors to Hawaii are Not deterred by all of the “We don’t want you here” talk. If anything, it makes many stubbornly want to visit even more. 🙂
I’m in Maui, and although I’ve noticed a decrease in visitors from last year at this time, Hawaii is still an extremely popular, beautiful place that represents a trip of a lifetime for many people. Barring something really catastrophic, I don’t feel that’s going to change drastically any time soon, at least I don’t feel or see it yet.
Very disappointing to hear this. I have visited Hawaii yearly from 2001 to 2022 except for Covid year. I now feel differently about going. The comments over the last few years reveal ungratefulness from a state who wants respect from their visitors.
What an interesting marketing concept: alienate 99% of travelers to the islands while generalizing and stereotyping the other 1%.
I live in the BayArea and have for all of my 66 years and I can definitely understand why sf travelers want to escape the city. It’s not because they’re ‘mindful’ as evidenced by the state of sf right now. The city has become a 3rd world cesspool and that’s not the fault of people from LA of the rest of the state or country.
Clearly, this marketing genius has not been to sf in the last 50 years and if he did go, it’s likely he was put up at the Ritz Carlton and never left his room.
Good luck with courting only folks with the mind virus that has led to the city’s demise.
DanvilleSanRamon.com blogger Dan Hunt recently posted about SF: “Tourism, particularly from Asia, has been slow and conventions have gone elsewhere—staying away because of the homeless and drug scene in San Francisco to say nothing of the costs.”
Maybe HVCB should be marketing to those conventions who have abandoned the Bay Area vs stereotyping the “ideal” potential visitor. Money in SF is tight as 30% of commercial property is vacant and people are in a mass exodus.
I sincerely you all get what you hope for…i would comment further but I must keep it…clean
It’s all expected because of HVCB’s mantra of curbing “overtourism”, and looking for “quality, not quantity” in their visitor composition. I have heard this mantra over and over again, even at county council meetings. And with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at the helm receiving millions of dollars, this chant will only be solidified over time.
Although it’s rather silly to consider SF as more environmentally conscious or having more wealth than LA, the major thrust is just to reduce tourism and have a more exclusive visitor base. Why even say something like that unless the purpose is to offend the rest of the world and discourage them from visiting?
Don’t worry Maui. I’m not from San Fran, but I still have the money to spend! Spent a lot of vacations at the Hyatt Regency Maui over the years. All these issues with Hawaii from flights to the locals not wanting as there has switched our vacation plans May I suggest a beautiful Viking River Cruise down the Rhine instead of Hawaii. That’s what we did in April instead of coming to the islands. Also the Amalfi coast. What a beautiful vacation that was. Aruba is our go to now when we want a bit of Island life. They love tourists and treat you like royalty.
This is nonsense. Just because someone doesn’t have a million bucks in the bank, Hawaii Visitors Bureau doesn’t want them? I believe that most visitors from across the country save up all year to go on a trip to Hawaii – of course, now with the inflated prices for airfare , hotels, food and merchandise, they probably have to save up for 2 – 3 years just to be able to afford this vacation. My husband and I try to visit Oahu at least once a year because my best friend whose like a sister, and my other bestie, whom I worked with for a very long time at the Phoenix VAMC live there And because we Love Hawaii. So, hopefully we’ll be welcome there as Ohana when we make our next trip.
Good Morning. I have to agree with your appraisal of travel to Hawaii and the state being undecided on a path forward. It’s strange that Hawaii doesn’t want tourists on one hand, but is giving away trips nearly every day on mainland TV shows. Also, one group only wants super rich to come. (like don’t bother if you have a budget) but being on a budget doesn’t mean you don’t spend money in stores, gift shops, tours, etc. I believe the “green fee” will end up in court due to the 14th amendment, and go away. People talk about low income tourists, while complaining about entitled rich tourists. Perhaps some of the collected money could print a booklet for seatback pockets to explain culture and expectations while visiting. Visitors are trapped in a tube for 5 hours, you know. Possibly extend to locals the importance of showing Aloha to guests who make the Hawaiian economy. Last, charging admission is fair but booking a vacation not knowing if you can get in the attraction is not good. Spend thousands and get turned away. Need to have a central booking to coordinate more than 30 days before your trip. Thanks for letting me vent. It’s a beautiful area with many wonderful people. Don’t let a few squeaky wheels guide the future of the islands. Respectfully, Thank You.
How would you like if you found booklets in your plane pocket educating you on how to act and behave in….Missouri.
This whole “education” and “destination management” strategies are a bad idea, no matter what the state. No one wants to be lectured on vacation!
On the other hand, tourists behaving badly should be reprimanded and fined in all states.
How would you like if you found booklets in your plane pocket educating you on how to act and behave in….Missouri?
These whole “education” and “destination management” strategies are a bad idea, no matter what the state. No one wants to be lectured on vacation!
On the other hand, tourists behaving badly should be reprimanded and fined in all states.
What about visitors from the east coast of the mainland?
We love Hawaii, its people, sights and culture. The U.S. dollar is the same and gladly accepted in other beautiful vacation spots. Politics and judgmental attitudes that are all too pervasive in our country is destroying even the most pleasant attempts of enjoyment.
May the HVCB exemplify the Aloha spirit to all who come to visit and spend their money.
I wonder if any of these HVCB members have been to San Francisco lately? Another case of be careful what you wish for. Plus, I love how they completely focus on the west coast travelers. I guess those of us who travel to Hawaii from east of the Mississippi River and have done so nearly every year for 30 + years are just chopped liver. My feeling is that those who return many times, travel 15-20 hours to get there and stay for longer periods are more likely to be respectful of the land and the people than those who hop on over for a few days.
I wouldn’t mind paying more fees if it didn’t seem like the money was flowing into someone’s pocket and not bettering life for Hawaiians
You had an article last week about the negative attitudes of some native Hawaiians towards tourists. Sounds like the Hawaiian bureaucrats are feeding the flames of discontent.
“In the end, squabbling HVCB received $38 million for US marketing, while the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement got $27 million for destination stewardship and visitor education.”
In case you are wondering where that 20% lodging tax (State TAT+ County TAT + GET) is going
What kind of people are employed by these 2 agencies? To describe a “type” of visitor is far different that to describe a specific locale. The foolishness of this preference is clear on its face. A location, especially and urban location, does not determine a person’s specific behavior. And it is behavior that determines desirability. Not to mention, they’ve targeted a location that has lost its own desirability to visitors because it’s own crime rate, puts visitors there directly in harms way. If a group cannot keep its own house in order, how then can you say that group is most desirable?
Wow. We’ve been visiting Hawaii since our honeymoon in 1978. Remarried at Coco Palms twice. Been to every island, special trip to Merrie Monarch Hula Festival because we love the culture. But, hey, go ahead and cater to the San Franciscans. Maybe they can bring some homeless friends with them. We’ll never find a place as special as the Hawaii we love, but we’ll keep looking. Aloha.
This is an ignorant statement which will alienate SoCal dwellers “with money”.