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Europeans travelling to Hawaii have bucked the current travel trends. Despite a worsening economic climate in 2008, Europeans visiting Hawaii rose significantly compared to 2007. Total overall arrivals by air to Hawaii in 2008 dropped by 10.4% from the previous year to just over 6.7 million whilst European air arrivals saw a 6.6% increase on 2007, equating to 115,000 visitors, 47% of which were from the UK…
Europeans travelling to Hawaii have bucked the current travel trends. Despite a worsening economic climate in 2008, Europeans visiting Hawaii rose significantly compared to 2007. Total overall arrivals by air to Hawaii in 2008 dropped by 10.4% from the previous year to just over 6.7 million whilst European air arrivals saw a 6.6% increase on 2007, equating to 115,000 visitors, 47% of which were from the UK.
Hawaii continues to attract new European visitors to its shores, the majority being first-timers (70%). Furthermore, Europeans holidaying in Hawaii are spending more money and staying longer. Total expenditure by European visitors increased by 7.4% to $248.9 million, with the average length of stay rising to 12.8 days (compared to 12.3 in 2007), which contributed to an 11.1% growth in European visitor days.
Hawaii continues to be a strong draw for Europeans looking for the ultimate romantic destination with honeymooners being one of the largest single groups to the islands. 11,980 European visitors were on honeymoon in Hawaii during 2008, a significantly higher proportion of its overall visitors compared to any other market. Oahu is still the island of choice with 72% of all European visitors opting for the capital island, followed by Maui with 36%.
From an international perspective, in 2009 Hawaii has welcomed over 3.8 million total visitors at the end of July with visitors in July alone up 1.5% from the same time last year. Oahu still remains the most visited island although the Big Island has seen the largest percentage increase in visitors, with international visitors up 51% in July.
With 2009 presenting further challenges to international travel, Hawaii Tourism Europe, as part of its Strategic Plan to 2015, is working to promote Hawaii as a unique, memorable and enriching visitor experience which values and perpetuates Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources. Such activity will assist in attracting further high spend European visitors to Hawaii in 2009.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
