Fewer Canucks to Hawaii offset by longer stays

Canadian arrivals to Hawaii dipped slightly in October this year compared to 2011, but overall results for the islands were still positive, says the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Canadian arrival numbers dropped by 4.4% in October (to 28,276) and daily spending was lower (down 1.7% to $155 p.p.) compared to October 2011. Balancing these declines was a longer average length of stay — up 6% to 13.06 days. The net result was $57.4 million in total Canadian visitor expenditures for October 2012, which is similar to a year ago. By building stronger price positioning for Hawaii’s product offerings, overall visitor spending in October 2012 continued to show significant growth, generating an incremental $1.9 billion in total expenditures, said the HTA. These spending increases helped to balance the slower growth in visitor arrivals in October, which was attributed to the historic trend of less travel prior to a presidential election. “We continue to further enhance our marketing efforts, especially in the international major market areas with an additional $2 million in marketing funds appropriated by the State legislature, which has helped to establish new programs and additional airlift,”said Mike McCartney, president of the HTA. “However, we remain vigilant in monitoring the global financial situation and are prepared to adjust our priorities and strategies if needed.”(http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org)