Indicative of our status as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world, Hawaii visitor statistics for 2017 indicate new yearly records will be set in the three vital categories of generated state tax revenue, visitor spending, and visitor arrivals.
“Generated state tax revenue supports government programs all communities need,” said George D. Szigeti, Hawaii Tourism Authority president and CEO. “Visitor spending grows the state’s economy. Visitor arrivals spread tourism’s impact to all islands. Most importantly, tourism’s success is supporting approximately 200,000 jobs statewide for residents who depend on Hawaii’s number one industry for their livelihoods.”
While full-year statistics for 2017 are still being finalized, Szigeti attributed the record year to a collaborative team effort supported by tourism’s stakeholders, including elected officials, private sector leaders, and frontline professionals who interact daily with visitors.
Szigeti believes the statistics augur great things for 2018, which hopes to maintain the rise in air seat capacity that began in the last half of 2017. In November, air seat capacity increased by 5 percent compared to a year ago, the highest monthly rate of growth in 2017.
“We expect air seat capacity in December to show an increase of about 6 percent when the month’s visitor statistics are released,” he said.
According to Szigeti, this upward trend is continuing into 2018 in response to travel demand. In the first quarter, based on scheduled flights serving Hawaii, air seat capacity is projected to grow by 10.9 percent.
“Travel demand for Hawaii drives air seat capacity, which produces more bookings for hotels, activities and attractions, and increases spending at restaurants, retail outlets and stores. All of this combines to strengthen Hawaii’s economy and, ultimately, support jobs for residents,” Szigeti said.
“Air seat capacity is, arguably, the strongest statistical indicator of potential success. That being the case, Hawaii is well-positioned entering 2018.”
We at Kahana Villa would like to thank all our owners and guests who visited us last year and helped contribute to the great success of our local economy. We value your patronage and look forward to seeing you in 2018. Mahalo!