The state’s troubled Hawaii Tourism Authority released data from July’s visitor arrivals. And it reflects what we have observed here on the ground. Even without substantial international tourism, the recovery was 92.4% compared to July 2019. Wow. There were 919,154 visitors here in the islands during that time. That’s why locals and visitors also had some bridge building to do as well.
On the downside, costs are way up, and so is spending. Many of you feel nickel and dimed while you are here. You spent $1.94 billion, up 14.3% compared to July 2019. July also saw the highest number of visitors since January 2020.
On average, Hawaii had 277,444 visitors each day during July 2022 compared to 286,419 visitors in July 2019.
Visitors from U.S. west coast cities spent 45% more.
528,319 visitors arrived from the West, up 14.2% compared to July 2019. More significantly, they spent $973.8 million, up 45.4% compared with July 2019.
Visitors from the eastern U.S. spent 25% more.
U.S. East coast visitors increased to 249,157, up just 2.3% compared to July 2019. They spent $643.4 million in July 2022, up 26% compared with July 2019.
International visitors were largely still absent in July.
Visitors from Japan were 134,587 visitors, down 82.8% compared with July 2019.
Canadian visitors amounted to 25,684, -4.7% compared with July 2019. They spent $57.1 million, up 14% compared with 2019.
HTA President and CEO John De Fries said, “Meaningful economic recovery continued during the peak summer month of July as Hawai’i saw significant increases in total visitor spending from the U.S. and Canada markets compared to July 2019. Travel demand from Japan is anticipated to gradually increase as we head into the fall and winter seasons, with the recent resumption of air service between Tokyo-Kona and Tokyo-Honolulu adding to the steady return of international flights.
International visitors are, however, about to start returning to Hawaii en masse.
How do you feel about this statement from HTA?
“Our destination management work will continue to focus on educating visitors about traveling within our islands in a manner that is mindful as we seek to balance the economic vitality of our industry with the health of our natural environment and the well-being of our communities. Travelers from around the world have come to know and appreciate that Hawaiʻi is indeed a special place where dreams do come true.”
HTA release.
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On O’ahu the restrictions against local houses being rented for at least 30 days force tourists to stay in hotels which are now near, at or exceeding a thousand dollars per night. Add that to the cost of rental cars plus unreasonable taxes and I have to wonder what the strategy is.
I love Hawaii, after visiting some 16 times from 2 to 4 weeks on business and on holiday it is a great place. The whole world is changing and more expensive,; IE some weeks ago a lettuce cost $12. in Brisbane Queensland, normally around $3-4.
Enjoy your holiday even though it will cost a bit more.
Prices are higher everywhere and even though many complain tourists willingly come and visit, as a state we should do a better job of limiting the numbers so that the islands don’t become overwhelmed, I feel in this way we will fine our way back to an Aloha state of mind and enjoy those who visit as much as they will enjoy visiting.
No taxation without representation!! People are okay with rising prices and taxes!!! Wake up America.
Regarding the HTA statement I’m a bit incredulous that anyone could have a problem with it? We are an island community with a fragile eco system. It’s still a very special place but If we don’t try and take care of it it will be lost. How can someone not respect that?
Sadly, I have a funny feeling that the phrase, “ Hawaii used to be a great place to visit,” will be the norm. I’ve already started saying it. 😕
Hawaii is not the island paradise it once was. The amount of homeless,crime, hostility towards visitors and dirty old hotels that come at a high price a visit is not worth me spending my hard earned money on anymore. There are may more beautiful and welcoming places to visit so after 40 years of visits I bid Hawaii Aloha!
HTA President and CEO John De Fries statement sounds like Hawaii is nothing more than Fantasy Island, with a caveat that you should behave yourself while here.
What a ridiculous study. Of course we paid more in 2021 and 2022 than in 2019 … All The Prices Were Higher. Cars, Restaurants, Hotels, Rentals, Tourist Taxes. Another area where money is just wasted. We paid $1,000 more for our Costco package on Maui for 5 days in 2022 than we did in 2021. We received nothing additional … it just cost $1,000 more!