Tourism Up, But...

Aloha Kakou:

April's 3% increase in visitors compared to 2009 is good news but we're still more than 37,000 arrivals short of 2007.

Maui's April visitors spent an average of $164.80 per day, up 6% from last year, with an average length of stay of 7.7 days.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/531955.html?nav=10

RevPAR Up, Profits Down In 2010

Aloha Kakou:

PKF Hospitality Research is predicting a 1.7% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) but a decrease in profits of 1.4% for US hotels in 2010.

The combination of decline in rates and increase in expenses such as housekeeping labor, laundry and guest supplies are the basis for the prediction of the decline in profit.

http://www.travelweekly.com/article3_ektid215068.aspx

It's Not Just Me

Aloha Kakou:

So you think I'm being too picky when your unit is not coordinated? Take a look at this article and let me know if you think the notoriety is worth it!

http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2010/5/24/182827/039/hotels/A_Hotel_Room_Where_the_Drapes_Don_t_Match_the_Carpets_or_the_Bedspread

Choice Hotels Promo

Aloha Kakou:

Now through August 5, Choice Hotels is running a new promotion that offers a free $50 Chili’s Restaurant gift card to Choice Hotels members who stay two separate times.

The Outrigger Maui Eldorado is part of Choice's Ascend Collection.

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelList?ienc=UTF-8&optional=false&sid=U7Mui.uYnrtgy3U.8&chain=A&brand_segment=&areaid=HIISLA&areatype=Interstate&type=&latitude=20.635173&longitude=-157.020638&state=HI&country=US&dateFormat=mm%2Fdd%2Fyy&radius

Outrigger Maui Eldorado & Just Vacations

Aloha Kakou:

Here is the Outrigger Maui Eldorado as represented on Just Vacations' website:

http://www.just-vacations.com/vacations/OfferDetail.asp?sid=4806&PriceId=1926946

DBEDT Predicts Increase In Visitors, Spending

Aloha Kakou:

The state of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has raised it's forecast for tourism occupancy and spending for 2010.

DBEDT is currently forecasting a 2.6% increase in visitors to the state this year versus last year, up from it's previous forecast of 2.1%.

The group is also expecting a .6% increase in visitor spending, now a 2.6% increase as opposed to their previous forecast of 2.0%.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100519/BREAKING03/100519038/State+raises+outlook+for+tourism+this+year

Driveway Work

Aloha Kakou:

Today workers began to replace the asphalt section of the driveway nearest the guardshack. In the morning, they removed the old pavement. After lunch, they prepared the ground and laid the rebar. And just now they poured the concrete. With any luck, we'll be able to drive on it in a few days. For now, enter and exit the lobby parking lot via the Royal Lahaina end driveway.

No Resort Fees Here

Aloha Kakou:

The Outrigger Maui Eldorado doesn't charge a resort fee, a housekeeping surcharge or a fee to use the internet. Apparently, we're a dying breed!

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2010_2nd/May10_HotelExtraFees.html

First Quarter: Increased Occupancy But Lower Rates

Aloha Kakou:

The first quarter of 2010 brought good news for the state of Hawaii and Maui County hotel business.

Maui's rise in occupancy led the state and was up 8.5% for the first three months of 2010, at 72.5% from last year's 64%.

Across Hawaii, occupancy of 70.6% was up from 2009's occupancy of 65.2%.

The number of Maui visitors increased in part due to an increased number of airline seats from secondary markets like Sacramento and Orange County.

For Maui, the average daily rate (ADR) was down in the first quarter of 2010, from last year's $254 to $231 this year.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/531402.html?nav=10
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100511/BREAKING01/100511030/Gauge+of+Isle+hotel+profitability+rises
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100511/NEWS01/5110363/Hawai+i+hotels+report+first+profits+in+two+years+

More Japanese Tourists

Aloha Kakou:

Hawaiian Airlines has won one of the landing positions at Haneda airport. Haneda, which is in Tokyo, is a more desirable airport for airlines than is Narita, which is 44 miles outside of the city.

The airline is planning on instituting one round trip flight per day between Haneda and Honolulu.

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/breaking/93120859.html

New Look For Another Budget Property

Aloha Kakou:

Sleep Inn, a member of the Choice family of hotels, has unveiled the new look for their guestrooms.

The new rooms include flat screen televisions (of course!), spa-like bathrooms and warm, natural finishes.

Is it any wonder guests staying with us are asking for upgraded rooms when they can get fresh new accommodations at many budget chain properties on the Mainland?

http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2010/5/5/15146/46392/hotels/Another_Budgie_Brand_Gets_a_New_Look_Sleep_Inns_

Energy Efficient Appliance Rebates

Aloha Kakou:

Aside from the fact that unit ratings are coming up, now you have another incentive to replace those old applicances. The state of Hawaii is offering rebates on new appliances in order to help reduce overall energy consumption.

The state is offering rebates as follows:
- ceiling fan $40
- dishwasher $50
- refrigerator $50
- clothes washer $50

The appliances must be Energy Star rated. The rebates are available until the total program funding of $1,236,000 runs out.

Check this link for more information:

http://www.hawaiienergyefficiency.com/