Maui Visitor Spending, Arrivals Continue Growing
By Sonia Isotov
Article From: Mauinow.com
“Continued growth in visitor spending is a strong indication that Hawaii’s tourism economy is improving,” said
Mike McCartney, the president and chief and executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), in a
written statement today.
For the state, visitor spending rose 15.1% to $11.3 billion during the first 11 months of 2011. On Maui, visitor
spending rose 12.9% to $249.5 million during the same 11 month period.
Statewide, total visitor days for all visitors rose 4.9% and total arrivals remained ahead (+3.4%) of last year at
6,600,776 visitors, according to preliminary statistics released today by the HTA. On Maui, total visitor days
for all visitors rose 4% and total arrivals remained ahead (+4.2%) as well. The HTA expects to end this year
with year-over-year growth in visitor expenditures.
Total arrivals in November 2011 rose 2.6% compared to last November to 566,672 visitors, and Maui
received 165,239 visitors compared to 162,153 visitors last November, or a 1.9% increase.
For the month of November 2011 alone, total visitor spending grew 8.2% (up $73.5 million) from November
2010 to $972.5 million, while visitor arrivals were up 2.6% from a year ago. Total spending by all visitors has
risen every month since May 2010. Higher daily spending ($186 per person, up from $179 per person in
November 2010) contributed to the growth in total visitor expenditures.
“The HTA’s focus on Asia and emerging markets is paying off with growth in visitor spending and arrivals
from Asia, including Korea, China and Japan. In November, air seat capacity from Japan increased 10.5%
due to increased service and an additional 5,796 charter seats to Hawai’i. The average daily spending from
Japanese visitors also increased, resulting in a 20% growth in visitor expenditures,” added McCartney.
Total arrivals by air only in November 2011 increased 3.6% to 555,630 visitors. Japanese arrivals grew
4.7%, the third consecutive month of increases. Arrivals from Canada (+5.1%), US West (+0.6%) and US
East (+2.0%) were also higher compared to November 2010. Arrivals by cruise ships fell 32% from
November 2010 to 11,042 visitors.
For the first 11 months of 2011, total expenditures by Canadian visitors rose 26.5%, supported by strong
growth in arrivals (+18.8%) and higher average daily spending. Total expenditures by US West (+6.9%) and
US East (+9.5%) visitors continued to increase while US West (+1.9%) and US East (+2.0%) arrivals remained
above year-to-date 2010. Total Japanese visitor expenditures increased 8.1%, even though arrivals were
lower (-5.4%) than the first 11 months of 2010.
“The growth from these markets are helping to offset the drop in spending from the US West and US East
that may be attributed to an increase in prices, as well as a recovering US economy,” explained McCartney.
November was also the month of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week (APEC) which the
HTA used to promote Hawai’i as a global meetings destination and highlight the Hawaiian Islands’
centralized location in the Asia-Pacific region. McCartney said, “As anticipated, overall arrivals during
November showed modest growth compared to 2010, but the recent increases in arrivals and spending
from Japan and other Asia are also indicators of the significance of the Asia-Pacific region and the potential
long-term impact that APEC will have on our community.”
“It is also important to note that the visitor data for November 2011 does not include APEC attendees who
arrived via private planes or government transportation that is not captured by our research, as well as
ancillary business spending that includes security expenses, equipment rental fees, meeting rooms,
private parties and other expenses,” said McCartney.
“As we head into 2012, we anticipate seeing an increased shift of our visitor profile with a growing number
of visitor arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region. With new flights by Air Australia and Asiana Airlines, as well
as increased service by Hawaiian Airlines to South Korea, we see potential to capitalize on opportunities
and will continue developing these markets while building on recent gains that will help to provide jobs
and stimulate our state’s economy.”
|
Weekend Round-Up: Boyz II Men, Steve Miller Band By Madeline Ziecker Article from: Mauinow.com BOYZ II MEN IN CONCERT Saturday, December 10 at the MACC at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45, $60 and $75. Four-time Grammy-award-winning a cappella R&B vocal group Boyz II Men will perform live, celebrating their most recent album, Twenty. Boyz II Men will perform a concert blending vocals, effects, and elements of classic R&B, as they have been doing for twenty years as the best selling R&B group of all time. The group has had a steady fan base since their debut in the 1980s, even through several member changes. The secret to their lengthened success may be their ability to adapt with changes in R&B, music technology, and in the music industry over time. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MACC Box Office at 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org. STEVE MILLER BAND WITH DAVE MASON Sunday, December 11 at the MACC at 7 p.m. Tickets $55, $65, $85, and $125. The renowned Steve Miller Band who has brought over four decades of hit classic rock and blues music will perform for one night at the MACC for loyal fans on Maui. Dave Mason, who holds a similar status as a classic rock king, will join the band as a special guest to enhance the show even further. Steve Miller Band sells out shows every year playing hit songs from their 30 million records recorded over the past 40 years. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MACC Box Office at 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org. MAUI STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW Saturday, December 10 at Stella Blues at 10 p.m. Tickets $10 at the door. A relatively new group of hilarious Maui stand-up comedians, Power Up Comedy, will perform their best jokes in Kihei on Saturday night. The line-up for the evening is as follows: ■Host: Jose Solorzano ■Corky Gardner ■Doug Wyckoff ■Teresa Sickels ■Ray “Boom Boom” Chavez ■Feature: Chino LaForge ■Headliner: Sunny Dennis FREERADICALS PROJEKT LIVE AT PICNIC IN PARADISE BENEFIT Sunday, December 11 from 12-10 p.m. at the Sugarman Makena Estate. Tickets $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door. Freeradicals Projekt will play live at a benefit supporting Prayer Rock Foundation and “Source V: Circus of Dreams” on the oceanside Sugarman Estate. Prayer Rock Foundation is an educational, non-profit, public charity organization dedicated to sustaining the Prayer Rock Sanctuary located in Kula. The organization caries the mindset of “Supporting the path, caring for the Earth.” Source is Maui’s own annual multi-media arts and music festival. For their fifth year festival, the theme will be “Circus of Dreams,” likely to bring and inspire several talented artists to Source V. The festival event holders will be holding and participating in several fundraising events, including Picnic In Paradise, before the start date of Source V on February 17. The Picnic In Paradise event will include local food vendors and live DJs sponsored by Kona Red. Shuttle service will be provided for ticket holders along with offsite parking at Mulligan’s On The Blue. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Wine Corner in Paia, Request Records in Wailuku, and The Tiki Lounge in Kihei. |
Three New Maui Restaurants Opening Soon By Susan Halas Article From: Mauinow.com Fleetwood’s Restaurant and Pub on Front Street has leased over 10,000 sq ft of second floor and rooftop dining at the old Planet Hollywood Building, and also plans to offer retail liquor sales on the ground floor. According to Project Manager Jonathan Todd, the new ocean view eatery located across the street from the sea wall in Lahaina has received two liquor licenses: one for upstairs service and a separate permit for ground floor retail sales. He said the dining areas are expected to seat hundreds will eventually be open for lunch and dinner. He also anticipates that hundreds will be hired to staff the new establishment. Fronting the new venture is long time celebrity musician Mick Fleetwood who has Maui homes upcountry and in Napili. Fleetwood’s On Front St. Lahaina The 10,000 sq ft Fleetwood’s on Front St in Lahaina hopes to open in the second quarter of 2012. The eatery headed by well known musician and long time Maui resident Mick Fleetwood will occupy the 2nd floor, roof and portions of the ground floor of the former Planet Hollywood building across from the sea wall. The management says facilities will include a restaurant, pub and liquor store. Photo courtesy Fleetwood’s on Front St. “Mick’s been here for a while and he gets the needs of Maui,” said Todd. He said the menu is still taking shape but in its final incarnation “will be approachable yet sophisticated. We want it to have family appeal.” The project manager said that HJP Restaurant Advisors of Santa Barbara has been retained to coordinate the opening. “They’ll be on site 24/7 until then and as long after we open as necessary.” Todd said that Fleetwood’s is currently seeking resumes from those qualified for general manager, chef and other senior level positions. “When top staff is in place they will be responsible for filling the other positions.” Those interested in submitting resumes of any kind should follow the links posted on line at www.FleetwoodsOnFrontSt.com and www.Facebook.com/Fleetwoods. He indicated that “hiring preference will be given to Maui residents.” Todd confirmed that the restaurant had signed a long term lease. “We have options for decades. This is not an in and out thing,” he said. Waterfront will come to the Maalea Harbor Shops in the space formerly occupied by the Maalaea Grill. Waterfront is expected to open by Easter of next year. Gary Smith, one of the owners of the Waterfront Restaurant located for more than 20 years at the Milowai Condominium in Maalaea announced that his family has found a home for “the new and improved” Waterfront at the Maalaea Harbor Shops next door to the Maui Ocean Center. Smith said that the Waterfront will occupy the 5,000 sq ft harbor view space which formerly held the Maalaea Grill. He expects key personnel like Chef Bob Cambra and Bartender Don Goodwin will soon return, joined by veteran wait and kitchen staff. Given the larger size of the new quarter he said staffing may eventually expand. The new location has several features he thinks patrons will find attractive such as more parking, a private dining room and larger, more modern quarters. The Waterfront, he said, is anxiously awaiting its liquor license and hopes to open by Easter of next year. “We’ll start with dinner, Smith said, “and as soon as nearby roadway improvements in the harbor area are finished, we’ll open for lunch. Our family, my mother Donna, my brother Rick and I are very excited to get a quality restaurant in a key location.” Fabiani’s Italian Bakery and Pizzeria expects to open by Christmas of this year serving family style Italian specialies including pizza, baked goods and pasta. The 3,000 sq ft eatery has indoor and outdoor seating and an 18 seat bar. Fabiani’s Bakery & Pizzeria is coming to the South Maui Center. The new Italian restaurant is located in Unit 101 at 95 Lipoa Street in Kihei. Owners are Lorenzo Fabiani, former maitre’d at Matteo’s and his wife Michelle, former pastry chef at Longhi’s, while Joe Caccamo, formerly of Matteo’s and Capische heads the kitchen. Improvements are underway to 3,000 sq ft space that includes indoor and outdoor seating for about 120 patrons and an 18 stool bar. The eatery will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring homemade Italian-style baked items and other specialties such as pizza, panini and pasta. Until a liquor license is in place BYOB is the policy of the house. A soft opening is slated for December 16. “We hope to be up and going by Christmas,” said Lorenzo. “We are very excited to offer Italian fare in the heart of Kihei.” |
Strong Growth Continues in Visitor Spending and Arrivals| By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Total expenditures by visitors who came to Hawai’i in the first 10 months of 2011 grew 14.8%, compared to the same period in 2010, to $10.3 billion, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. On Maui, total expenditures by visitors in the first 10 months of 2011 grew 13.1%, compared to the same period in 2010, to $2.5 billion. Visitors in October 2011 spent $20 more per person per day than last October. Visitors to Maui actually spent $6 less per person per day than last October. Total visitor days for all visitors increased 4.1% and total arrivals (+2.6%) continued to exceed last year at 6,034,104 visitors. On Maui, total visitor days for all visitors increased 3.6 % and total arrivals (+3.8%) also exceed last year at 1,808,350. Total arrivals to Maui in October 2011 dropped 2% compared to a year ago. Growth in arrivals to Maui from Canada (+3.2%) and Japan (6.9%) were offset by lower arrivals from US West (-7.1%) and US East (-1.1%). For the first 10 months of 2011, arrivals to Maui from Canada (+17.2%), US East (+1.3%) and US West (+0.8%) increased, but arrivals from Japan (-3.1%) declined compared to year-to-date 2010. “We are also pleased with continued growth from our international markets, including the second positive month of arrivals from Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami,” said Mike McCartney, president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority today in written statement. “New and additional airlift through 2012 also demonstrates that demand for travel to the Hawaiian islands remains high, and is a good indicator of momentum for the visitor industry in the coming year.” More detailed October and 2011 year-to-date statistics for individual islands and the state, can be found on the Hawaii Tourism Authority website. |
Tuesday was a very special day for Clint Hansen as the Maui Planning Department gave unanimous approval granting his special use permit for Maui Paintball. Click here t-for-paintball-facility.html?nav=10 for the article published in yesterday’s Maui News. Mahalo Nui Loa to everyone for their ongoing support. Happy Thanksgiving from our Ohana to Yours. |
Hotels see increase in room rates Article From: The Maui Weekly The Maui News – Maui’s hotels were two-thirds full in September, not unusual for one of the dullest months of the year in the visitor industry, but hotel operators were able to boost their rack rates by more than $15 a night. That contributed to a sizable increase in the amount of money coming in. So far this year, and despite some slackness in arrival numbers, Hawai’i's lodging business is doing better than last year, and much better than it was in 2009. The Hawai’i Hotel Flash Report released by Hospitality Advisors last week said that through nine months of 2011, island hotels have reaped room revenue of $2.14 billion. That is 12.8 percent better than in 2010 and 20.9 percent better than in 2009. But it was not equal to the $2.41 achieved in the first three quarters of 2006. For the year-to-date, Maui had the highest average daily rate ($246.52), up 9.3 percent. Occupancy rates are up about the same amount in each county so far this year, a somewhat surprising result considering the turmoil caused by Japan’s earthquake in March and the continuing uncertainty in general economic terms. Each county is up around 3 percentage points in occupancy. Maui is up to 71.2 percent from 68.8 percent last year. |
Hawaii Holiday Travel Poll: Lower Travel, More Spending By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Local consumers will spend more on holiday trips this season, but slightly less likely than last year to take at least one overnight trip for the holidays in November/December, according to AAA Hawaii’s 3rd Annual Winter Holiday Travel Poll. 39% of polled local residents said they plan on one or more holiday trips, compared to 42% last year, while 50% definitely won’t take a trip (48% last year) and 11% are undecided (10% in 2010). The 50% not taking a holiday trip cited several reasons, including: ■Too many other expenses (43%) ■Rising prices for travel (38%) ■Rising household expenses for items other than gas (30%) ■High gas prices (29%) Of those who will be traveling in November and December, 77% plan to spend more than $1,000 on their getaways, compared to 69% last year who said they would spend more than $1,000. 64% of surveyed holiday travelers will take one trip in November or December, 29% will take two, and 7% will take three or more. Last year, 65% said they would take one trip, 30% were taking two, and 5% were taking three or more. Many more Hawaii residents plan to visit family over this holiday season compared to last year (56% compared to 44% in 2010), while fewer local travelers will be shopping (46% vs. 58% last year) or sightseeing (40% vs. 49% last year). “We are definitely seeing some price sensitivity on the part of travelers because of the economy and high gas prices, but we also see that travel is viewed as a high priority and people will continue to fit trips into their budgets however they can,” said Diane Peterson, AAA Hawaii regional manager, in a written statement. “Fortunately, travel providers are recognizing this also and are offering many family budget-friendly deals and significant discounts for early bookings.” Of those polled who indicated they would travel this holiday season, 36% will take at least one trip within Hawaii, while 42% plan to visit Nevada, and 33% will visit California. AAA Hawaii offered the following tips for saving on holiday travel: ■If you fly to your destination, consider mailing holiday gifts ahead of time to avoid high baggage fees. Also, wrapped gifts can cause problems with the TSA screening process, so if you do bring gifts on the plane, wrap them at your destination. ■The last-minute holiday deal is back for many travel providers because of lower demand due to the economy. To take advantage, do some online research or let a travel agent do it for you. Travel agents don’t charge for their services, so you’ll get the same price on the deal and also save time. ■For long-distance road trips, plan your stops for gasoline with a tool like the AAA TripTik app for smartphones, which lists gas prices at stations all along your travel route. Price differences can be as much as 50 cents per gallon because gas stations near airports and key freeway locations may charge much higher prices, so it’s worth it to shop around first. ■Avoid speeding. It’s tempting to drive 75 miles an hour or more on an open highway, but doing that on a long-distance road trip could cost you $20 to $30 more per day in wasted fuel. AAA Hawaii’s Holiday Travel Poll was conducted online by the AAA Marketing Research Department along with the Holiday Shopping Poll, which was released last week. The poll surveyed 361 AAA Hawaii members between Oct. 4 and Oct. 20. It has a margin of error of +/-5% and the differences between 2011 and 2010 results were tested for statistical significance at a 95% confidence level. |
Maryland tops Hawaii for millionaires By Star-Advertiser staff Article from: Star-Advertiser You’re slightly more likely to meet a millionaire in Maryland than Hawaii, according to Phoenix Marketing International, a global marketing services firm. The company issued its annual Global Wealth Monitor report that tracks affluent and high net worth households in the U.S., Canada and Europe. The reports shows that about 7.22 percent of Maryland’s households are millionaires, compared to Hawaii’s 7.21 percent. Hawaii had led the rankings since 2008. Phoenix defines a millionaire household as one with $1 million or more in investable or liquid assets (excluding sponsored retirement plans and real estate). Rounding out the top ten states in millionaires per population are New Jersey (7.19 percent), Connecticut (7.13 percent), Massachusetts (6.41 percent), Alaska (6.39 percent), Virginia (6.26 percent), New Hampshire (6.06 percent), California (6.01 percent), and the District of Columbia (5.88 percent). “A few things are noteworthy from this year’s millionaire rankings,” said David Thompson, Managing Director of the Phoenix Global Wealth Monitor said in a news release. “First, this is the closest it’s ever been between the top two states. Second, all of the top ten states increased their millionaire ratios during the past year, which underscores that the richest states keep getting richer.” Phoenix computes its data on the size of affluent and high net worth U.S. households on a mid-year to mid-year basis. As of the end of June, 2011, Phoenix estimates that the number of millionaires in the U.S. grew by 6.9 percent from the previous year, numbering some 5.9 million households. |
Restaurant Week Wailea Returns November 6 – 12, 2011 Back by popular demand, Wailea Resort is proud to announce the return of its very successful dinner promotion, “Restaurant Week Wailea”. This celebration of Wailea’s finest cuisine will take place at 16 participating resort restaurants throughout Wailea starting Sunday, November 6th, through Saturday, November 12th. Wailea Resort has long been known for its award winning culinary talent, delectable restaurants and celebrity chefs; and have once again created some remarkable three course, pre-fixe menus for just $29*, $39* or $49* per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants have enhanced this promotion, by creating wine pairings to enjoy with your meal, at a very special price “Restaurant Week Wailea continues to be a popular promotion for the restaurants and diners”, said Bud Pikrone, General Manager, Wailea Community Association. “Earlier this year in May, over $4,800 was raised from Restaurant Week Wailea for the Maui Food Bank and having it again this November is perfect timing to raise more money for the Maui Food Bank as the Holidays approach” said Pikrone. Each participating restaurant has agreed to make a contribution to the Maui Food Bank for every pre-fixe entrée sold during Restaurant Week Wailea, as part of the resorts community giving. This pre-fixe menu is not valid with any other discount, coupons or promotion being offered at participating restaurants. Diners may contact each restaurant direct for reservations, as advance reservations are strongly recommended or visit www.opentable.com for select restaurants* which offer online dinner reservations. No tickets, passes or coupons needed ~ simply make your reservations and enjoy! 16 Wailea Resort restaurants are participating: Capische?* (Hotel Wailea) (808) 879-2224 DUO Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons) (808) 874-8000 Gannon’s (Wailea Gold & Emerald Course) (808) 875-8080 Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Grand Wailea) (808) 875-1234 Joe’s in Wailea (Wailea Tennis Club) (808) 875-7767 KAI Wailea (808) 875-1955 Kō* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 875-4100 Longhi’s* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 891-8883 Mala Wailea* (Wailea Marriott) (808) 875-9394 Matteo’s (808) 874-1234 Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (808) 891-2322 Mulligan’s on the Blue (Wailea Blue Course) (808) 874-1131 Nick’s Fishmarket Maui* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 879-7224 Pita Paradise Bistro Wailea (808) 879-7177 Ruth’s Chris Steak House* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 874-8880 Tommy Bahamas* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 875-9983 OR visit www.opentable.com to book reservations with participating restaurants* * Participating restaurant offers online reservations through OpenTable.com. Reservations are free and confirmed instantly 24 hours a day. No phone calls, no waiting. ***Information courtesy of the Wailea Community Association |
Maui Condo Council Annual Meeting, Building Trade Show By Sonia Isotov Article from: Mauinow.com On November 10th, condominium managers, unit owners, property management firms, and building and construction professionals will all gather for the 4th Annual Seminar and Trade Show of the Condominium Council of Maui (CCM). The theme of this year’s meeting is “Old Buildings-New Solutions: What Associations Need to Know” and the seminar portion of the meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Golf Club above Waikapu. Alongside the seminar, a vendor’s trade show will run from 8:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is provided. Guest speakers include: Colin Murphy, Trinity; Rick Tanner, The Whaler at Kaanapali, Robert Barrett, Coasta l Windows; and Christian Porter, Esq. and CCM Moderator, and others. Seminar topics will include: engineering, architectural, plumbing, windows, insurance, finance, and more. Attendees will hear about some of the pit-falls of local association renovation projects, and how to protect, preserve and enhance property assets now. A question and answer period will be made available. For more information, go to the Maui Condominium Council website. |
Halloween Round-Up: Saturday Through MondayBy Madeline Ziecker Excerpt of Article from: Mauinow.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Paia Maui Pranksters Costume Ball at Charley’s Restaurant. The ball starts at 10 p.m. Entrance is $5 with a costume and $10 without. Best his and hers costume will win $100 each. Kihei Devil’s Night Party at Ambrosia Martini Lounge. Starts 10 p.m. No cover for those in costume with music by DJ Decka, $2 off of all tequila and costume prizes. Kahului 3-Night Halloween Party: Glo & GOREfest Costume Contest at Kahului Ale House. Starts 10 p.m, no cover. Glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark clothing encouraged. Scary movies will play on 30 TVs as fog layers the floor. Winner of the Kahului Best Costume Contest will collect $400. Halloween drink specials include $7 Glowing Ghost drinks, $5 Graveyard shots, $4 Candy Corn shots, $3 Freddy Krueger shots and $2 Trick-or-treat shots. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 Kihei Wild + Wicked Art Show & Costume Party at the Tiki Lounge. Starts 8 p.m. Art pieces will be sold in support of Plant A Wish Foundation. Kahului 3-Night Halloween Party: Anythig GLOWS Masquerade Party at Kahului Ale House. Starts 10 p.m. $10 cover after 10 p.m. Featuring DJ Jamn J and DJ Blinky. Free body painting from 9-11 p.m. Halloween drink specials include $7 GHOSTinis, $5 Fried Brain shots, $4 Candy Corn shots, $3 Freddy Krueger shots and $2 Trick-or-Treat shots. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31 – HALLOWEEN NIGHT Paia The New Mastersounds, Freeradicals Projekt, and DJ Boomshot at Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon. Starts 9 p.m. Sell-Out Expected – Buy Tickets In Advance. Howl 1031 at Moana Bakery & Cafe. Starts 9 p.m. $20 cover. Costume and all-night DJ dance party. Cash prizes will be offered to the best dressed. Kihei Sexy & Scary at Ambrosia. Starts 10 p.m. DJ CIA, $4 “brain hemorrhage shots” and “spooky juice drinks” in house. Halloween Night With DJ Slackin’ at the Tiki Lounge. Starts 10 p.m. will drink specials all night. Halloween With MOTHxp at Three’s Bar & Grill. Starts 8 p.m. for all ages and at 10 p.m. for 21 & over. Lahaina Halloween “Back on Front” Keiki Costume Parade on Front St. Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. with Maui’s keiki in their best costumes. Comments Off |
Maui Visitor Spending Grows, Arrivals Flat By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Total expenditures by Maui visitors in the first nine months of 2011 increased by 15.1%, compared to the same period last year, to $2,370.5 million, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Total visitor days for Maui visitors only rose 4.2% and total arrivals (+4.5%) continued to surpass last year at 1,640,498 visitors. For the month of September 2011, total visitor expenditures for Maui grew 16.4% ($225.9 million) from September 2010 to $194.0 million. Contributing to the increase was higher daily spending by all visitors ($194.9 per person, up from $176.2 per person in September 2010) and a 4.7% growth in total arrivals to 159,359 visitors. “Visitor spending grew to more than $1 billion in September, an increase of 19.7%, with visitors from every major market area spending more and staying longer than in 2010. We are also pleased that these increases are being seen throughout all of the four major islands, with year-to-date total visitor expenditures reaching $9.3 billion in 2011,” said Mike McCartney, president and chief executive officer, Hawaii Tourism Authority, in a written statement. Total visitor days for all visitors rose 4.2% and total arrivals (+2.7%) continued to surpass last year at 5,446,393 visitors. Contributing to the statewide increase was higher daily spending by all visitors ($199 per person, up from $176 per person in September 2010) and a 4% growth in total arrivals to 560,707 visitors. After six straight months of losses, Japanese arrivals grew slightly by 0.8%. Arrivals from US West (+2%) and US East (+4.4%) also increased following three months of declines. Continued McCartney, “September’s growth included the continued increase in Japanese visitor spending, as well as an increase in visitor arrivals, the first of such increases in six months. And we are hopeful that the uptick in arrivals is a sign of recovery of the Japan market.” Statewide, arrivals by air only in September 2011 rose 4.7% from last September to 553,068 visitors, with increases from all top four visitor markets. Arrivals from Canada climbed 23%, the fifteenth consecutive month of double-digit growth. “We anticipate this momentum to continue through the fourth quarter of 2011 and into 2012, with increases in airlift out of Japan, Canada, Korea and Australia through new and established airlines. We are excited to welcome Asiana Airlines with direct service from Honolulu to Incheon, Korea, Strategic Airlines servicing both Brisbane and Melbourne to Honolulu, and Allegiant Airlines servicing the US West region, into the Hawai’i market,” said McCartney. “We are very encouraged with the increases in visitor spending, arrivals and air seats as we head towards the end of the year. Together with Hawaii’s visitor industry partners, we will remain vigilant and focused to reach our targets, set at $12.6 billion in visitor spending and 7.5 million visitor arrivals for 2011.” |
Boost Expected With Return of Maui Makani Classic By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com One-hundred world class windsurfers converge at Ho`okipa Beach Park next week for the championship leg of the American Windsurfing Tour. The Maui Makani Classic kicks off on October 27 and runs until November 1, marking a return of the sport to Ho`okipa, the international mecca of the windsurfing world. “There is no better place for windsurfing than right here on Maui, and we are proud to be hosting world class events once more,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “What Halloween does for Lahaina, big windsurfing events will do for Paia. We’re going to get our economy going one town at a time if we have to,” he said. Competitors will be traveling to Maui from more than 20 counties including Argentina, Chili, China, South Korea, Morocco, Ireland and Japan. The event is also expected to attract hundreds of spectators from Maui and abroad. In an effort to help with traffic congestion, free event parking will be provided at the Old Maui High School in Hamakuapoko, with free shuttle bus services provided by the Maui County Veterans Association and the Disabled American Veterans. No parking will be allowed on the sides of the highway. In addition to the windsurfing competition, other Makani Classic events to include the following: ■Makani Classic opening night party at the Kahului Ale House, October 26, 8 p.m. ■Makani Classic Opening Ceremony, Ho`okipa Beach Park, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. ■Goya and Quatro Party, Pauwela Cannery in Haiku, 6 to 10 p.m. ■Fourth Friday in Paia, 6 to 9 p.m. ■Maui Ultra Lounge Party, Neil Pryde in Kahului, 6 to 9 p.m. ■Pizza with the Pros, Flatbread Pizza in Paia, 6 to 10 p.m. ■Makani Classic closing ceremonies, hosted by Maui Babe and held at the Maui Tropical Plantation, featuring entertainment, food, cash bar and award presentations, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m., tickets $10 per person. For more information, visit: www.americanwindsurfingtour.com. |
