Visitor spending reached $14.5 billion (an increase of 2 percent from $14.3 billion) contributing $1.5 billion in state tax revenue, and 8,235,510 visitors (an increase of 2.6 percent from 8 million) came to the Hawaiian Islands in 2013.
Mike McCartney, president and CEO of Hawaii Tourism Authority said, “Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes and fuel surcharges have slowed bookings and hampered growth, causing a leveling off throughout the second half of 2013. The downward trend is expected to continue into the first half of this year, particularly during the slower shoulder travel period in April and May, he said.
“While our core U.S. market remained strong, there were significant increases in arrivals and spending from the growing Other Asia (China, Korea and Taiwan) and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) markets” he added.
“We will work with our global marketing partners to review and adjust our plans to stimulate the market in light of current economic and global trends. It is also important that we continue to work with our industry partners to balance the needs of our community while strengthening our tourism economy in 2014,” said McCartney.
