Hawaii’s Visitor Industry Sets New Records in Spending and Arrivals for Third Consecutive Year

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.

“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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Established in 1998, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state’s tourism agency, is responsible for strategically managing tourism to optimize benefits for Hawai‘i that integrates the interest of visitors, the community and visitor industry. Tourism is the state’s leading economic driver and largest employer and the HTA continually works to ensure its sustainability well into the future. For more information on the HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org, like HTA on Facebook page, follow HTA on Twitter (@HawaiiHTA) or subscribe to HTA’s YouTube channel.