More Hawaii For Less

Aloha Kakou:

Economic figures for 2008 year-to-date have come out and the result isn't pretty. From April through August, Hawaii hotels were $156 million behind last year. For September, Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) reported that Maui had 30% fewer arrivals this year than last, the steepest decline of any Hawaiian Island.

April marked the beginning of steep market declines "due to rapid deterioration in air capacity, economic instability, consumer confidence and escalating fuel costs," said Joseph Toy, president and CEO of Hospitality Advisers, a local group who reports such trends.

Hawaii tourism officials will start their mainland blitz tomorrow, with a program promoting the savings offered by local travel vendors like hotels and car rental companies will offset any increase in airfare. The $ 12.5 million, multi-city mainland campaign is designed to let consumers know they can now get more Hawaii for less while focusing on those cities that have direct flights to Hawaii.

The Maui News, usually a day behind the Honolulu news outlets, should report their story on this subject tomorrow.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081006/BUSINESS02/810060318/1071

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081006/BUSINESS02/810060319/1071

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/20081006_new_report_says_hotels_lost_156M.html