Maui Visitor Spending Up

Aloha Kakou:

Maui's per person spending in January rose 9.8% to $196 compared to December. That's the eleventh straight month of visitor spending increases.

The average visitor stayed nine and a half days on Maui.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/546531/Maui-January-visitor-count-up-9-2-.html?nav=10

Islands Population Up

Aloha Kakou:

Hawaii's population increased 12.3% in the last decade, with the total number of people in the state numbering about 1.4 million. Maui's population grew about 21% to about 154,834.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110225_Isle_population_up_to_14M.html

Islands Visitor Spending, Arrivals Up

Aloha Kakou:

January saw an increase of 20% in visitor spending compared to 2010. Arrivals increased by 12% for the same period, with double digit increases coming from Japan, Canada and the western US.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/116860713.html

Hotel Prank Calls Continue

Aloha Kakou:

Fortunately, these "pranks" haven't happened in Hawaii. But really, gas masks hidden behind the bathroom mirror? You have to wonder exactly how guests come to believe an anonymous caller who claims to be from the front desk.

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_1st/Feb11_PrankCalls.html

Rising Cotton Prices May Mean Rate Increases

Aloha Kakou:

With the recent dramatic run-up in the price of commodities, can hotels maintain current rates as the price of basic elements like sheets and towels rises to record levels? Just another example of how interlinked we all are.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/41739087

State Predicts Strong Economic Recovery

Aloha Kakou:

This Hawaii Public Radio story regarding tourism and Hawaii's
recovery was broadcast today. Note the quote from Outrigger's Barry Wallace.

State Predicts Strong Economic Recovery

"Get Me Out Of Here!"

Aloha Kakou:

There's nothing like a little nationwide publicity for the state to help get heads in beds!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41630703/ns/travel-destination_travel/

Free Wi-fi, Discounted Rates To Attract 2011 Guests

Aloha Kakou:

In a recent TripAdvisor survey, 91% of hotels say they will offer complimentary wi-fi service in 2011. Over 60% of hotels are planning on using discounted rates to attract guests in 2011.

http://www.hotelsmag.com/MembersOnly/webNews/details.aspx?item=21784

Latest Maui Eldorado Listings

Aloha Kakou:

Here are the latest listings for sale at the Maui Eldorado.

Maui Eldorado Current Active Listings 2/15/2011

J-118 Studio $265,000 LH Jim Foster Chase N Rainbows 661-7994/ Cell 870-5858

K-215 Studio $315,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

J-109 Studio $325,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073

E-205 Studio $338,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

C-102 1B/1B $349,000 LH Betty Sakamoto Sakamoto Properties
669-0070 / Cell 870-7062

J-120 Studio $349,500 LH Anastasia Tagayuna Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200 / Cell

D-206 1B/2B $349,500 LH Fred Haywood Realty
579-8848/ Cell 870-4904

K-110 Studio $350,000 LH Bud Kilmer Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200/ Cell 280-0435

G-105 1B/2B $350,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

I-201 1B/1B $358,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

K-202 1B/2B $375,000 LH Thomas Brozozowski Roos Realty Inc.
667-9163/ Cell 280-0113

C-202 1B/1B $380,000 LH Derek Escalera Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.229 / Cell 264-4617

A-210 Studio $350,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

C-201 Studio $399,000 LH Joline Dorner Lowson and Associates
661-8771 / Cell 276-9015

B-103 1B/1B $412,500 LH Donna Nabavi Coldwell Banker
669-6565/ Cell 276-5230

K-100 2B/2B $570,000 LH Robert J. Cartwright Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.222

K-213 2B/2B $625,000 LH Thomas Brozozowski Roos Realty Inc.
667-9163/ Cell 280-0113

I-204 2/2B $1,175,000 LH Casey Fukuda Sakamoto Properties Inc.
669-0070 / Cell 264-5362

December Occupancies Up At The Price Of Rate

Aloha Kakou:

December's statewide occupancies were higher than than those of 2009 but rates are still down.

Lowering rates attracted more guests in 2010 but those guests will be reluctant to return to the rates they paid in 2006 and 2007.

"The occupancy has returned to more normal levels, but the average rate is still down about 15 to 20 percent from the peak and costs have risen 5 to 10 percent," said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. "Hotels and their owners continue to be squeezed."

"We are still six years away from even achieving the profitability of 2006 and 2007," said Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii and French Polynesia.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/546141/Deals-help-raise-2010-Maui-occupancy-rates.html?nav=10





http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110214_Hotels_ended_2010_with_higher_rates_occupancy.html

Travelers Planning, Despite Economy

Aloha Kakou:

In a poll by Travelocity, 35% of respondents said they would spend more money on travel in 2011 compared to 2010.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41459140/ns/travel-seasonal_travel/

American Express Promotion

Aloha Kakou:

Here is a sample of a mailer that we're sending to American Express cardholders in select markets. The mailer promotes Outrigger Maui Eldorado's one bedroom garden view units for certain low season dates in the spring and fall.

1Q1 Outrigger Palms and Eldorado_Final