2014 Saw Record of $14.75 billion in Spending
HONOLULU – Hawaii’s tourism economy, one of the state’s largest economic drivers, continued its momentum in 2014, surpassing 2013 records in visitor expenditures and arrivals for the third consecutive year, according to preliminary statistics released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). Spending reached a record $14.75 billion and arrivals hit a high of 8,282,680, both of which exceeded the HTA’s 2014 projections of $14.7 billion and 8,250,937, respectively.
“Through the support of our marketing and visitor industry partners, we have been able to drive interest from developing, international markets and promote experiences across the Hawaiian Islands to distribute the benefits of tourism statewide.”
“The HTA has been working to ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism for Hawaii,” said Ronald Williams, HTA chief executive officer. “Through the support of our marketing and visitor industry partners, we have been able to drive interest from developing, international markets and promote experiences across the Hawaiian Islands to distribute the benefits of tourism statewide.”
The majority of the Hawaiian Islands experienced increases in visitor arrivals and spending. Arrivals from Hawaii’s smaller international markets including Australia, New Zealand, China and Europe provided a boost in arrivals.
Spending and arrivals for Hawaii’s core North America market increased during the second half of 2014, supported by new air service to the state. With more air seats projected into 2015 and dropping oil prices, the HTA is anticipating continued growth from this region through the first half of this year.
However, both spending and arrivals from Japan, the state’s largest international market, slightly declined as Japanese visitors stayed fewer days than in 2013, largely due to the strengthening U.S. dollar and unstable Japanese economy.
“We will continue to work with our global contractors and industry partners to highlight and enhance Hawaii’s unique experiences to continue our momentum into 2015,” added Williams.
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