Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $4.82 billion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 10.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).
“The $4.82 billion in visitor spending statewide is 10.1 percent ahead of last year’s record-setting pace through the first quarter and has also generated $563 million in tax revenue for the state, an increase of nearly $52 million,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the HTA, in a written release.
Hawaii’s four largest visitor markets, U.S. West (up 8.8 percent to $1.67 billion), U.S. East (up 12.8 percent to $1.28 billion), Japan (up 9.3 percent to $615.6 million) and Canada (up 7.6 percent to $468.2 million) all reported gains in visitor spending in the first quarter versus a year ago.
“All four island counties saw the benefits of increased visitor spending in the first quarter, with the results for March being particularly outstanding, especially on the neighbor islands,” said Szigeti.
In addition, combined visitor spending from “All Other International Markets” increased (up 11.1 percent to $777 million). Total visitor arrivals in the first quarter grew 9.4 percent to 2,478,604 visitors compared to last year supported by growth in arrivals via air service (up 9.7 percent to 2,438,647), which offset fewer arrivals by cruise ships (down 2.5 percent to 39,957).
Visitor arrivals by air service increased from U.S. West (up 13.4 percent to 962,462), U.S. East (up 9.6 percent to 567,495) and Canada (up 6.3 percent to 207,686), while arrivals from Japan was flat (down 0.3 percent to 382,665). Combined visitor arrivals from All Other International Markets also increased (up 14.3 percent to 318,338).
Visit www.gohawaii.com
Related Stories
Alaska Airlines Begins Removing Virgin America Presence
High-End Hawaii: The Destination's Latest Luxury Hotel News
Hawaii's Latest Sport Travel Offerings
Hawaii for Foodies: The Aloha State's Latest Culinary Offerings