The State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) released its November 2022 visitor statistics report, which showed total visitor spending increased by 13.7% compared to November 2019, with a corresponding 9.1% decrease in visitor arrivals.
Total visitor spending in November 2022 was $1.52 billion, contributing to and supporting local businesses, shops, restaurants and activities throughout the state. Visitors from the U.S. West and U.S. East continued to fuel Hawai‘i’s economic recovery, with spending up considerably by 45.7% and 28.7%, respectively, compared to November 2019. Hawaiʻi’s other primary international source markets also contributed to this recovery.
At the same time, the strong recovery of Hawaiʻi travel underscores the importance of destination management: the work that HTA does hand in hand with our fellow government agencies, visitor industry stakeholders, local non-profits, and committed members of communities across Hawaiʻi to mālama kuʻu home – care for our beloved home.
The continuing trend of higher spending visitors coupled with lower arrivals is promising for the state’s economy and the many small kamaʻāina businesses that count on the visitor industry.
Written by: Matthew Thomas
