The latest statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) indicate a slight decline in both visitor arrivals and spending in May 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this, the overall picture shows significant progress in the tourism sector's recovery from the pandemic, as well as some interesting shifts in visitor behavior and spending patterns.
Overview of Visitor Arrivals and Spending
- Total visitors in May 2024: 763,260
- Change from May 2023: -4.8%
- Comparison to May 2019: -9.9%
- Total visitor spending in May 2024: $1.62 billion
- Change from May 2023: -4.0%
- Comparison to May 2019: +14.6% (up from $1.41 billion)
- Visitor arrivals by air in May 2024: 757,841
- Change from May 2023: -4.1%
- Comparison to May 2019: -9.4%
- Visitor arrivals by cruise ships in May 2024: 5,420
- Change from May 2023: -51.1%
- Comparison to May 2019: -52.2%
Visitor Stay and Daily Census
- Average length of stay in May 2024: 8.51 days
- Change from May 2023: -2.3%
- Comparison to May 2019: +1.7%
- Statewide average daily census in May 2024: 209,543 visitors
- Change from May 2023: -7.0%
- Comparison to May 2019: -8.4%
Visitor Statistics by Region
U.S. West:
- Visitor arrivals in May 2024: 403,981
- Change from May 2023: -6.5%
- Comparison to May 2019: +4.2%
- Visitor spending in May 2024: $767.9 million
- Change from May 2023: -5.8%
- Comparison to May 2019: +36.1% (up from $564.0 million)
- Daily spending per person in May 2024: $233
- Change from May 2023: +1.7% (up from $229)
- Comparison to May 2019: +34.1% (up from $174)
U.S. East:
- Visitor arrivals in May 2024: 209,711
- Change from May 2023: -3.8%
- Comparison to May 2019: +5.2%
- Visitor spending in May 2024: $539.4 million
- Change from May 2023: -3.7%
- Comparison to May 2019: +37.4% (up from $392.4 million)
- Daily spending per person in May 2024: $274
- Change from May 2023: +1.1% (up from $271)
- Comparison to May 2019: +29.9% (up from $211)
Japan:
- Visitor arrivals in May 2024: 46,124
- Change from May 2023: +35.1%
- Comparison to May 2019: -59.3%
- Visitor spending in May 2024: $68.4 million
- Change from May 2023: +25.8%
- Comparison to May 2019: -57.9% (down from $162.4 million)
- Daily spending per person in May 2024: $237
- Change from May 2023: -1.7% (down from $241)
- Comparison to May 2019: -2.6% (down from $244)
Canada:
- Visitor arrivals in May 2024: 20,301
- Change from May 2023: -12.4%
- Comparison to May 2019: -23.2%
- Visitor spending in May 2024: $44.6 million
- Change from May 2023: -15.6%
- Comparison to May 2019: -7.7% (down from $48.3 million)
- Daily spending per person in May 2024: $225
- Change from May 2023: +3.7% (up from $216)
- Comparison to May 2019: +32.0% (up from $170)
Other International Markets:
- Visitor arrivals in May 2024: 77,725
- Change from May 2023: -6.6%
- Comparison to May 2019: -28.8%
Source:https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/visitor/tourism-dashboard/ https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/13000/may-2024-visitor-statistics-press-release.pdf
Insights and Trends
- Recovery and Growth: The tourism sector is showing significant recovery, with visitor arrivals and spending still higher than pre-pandemic levels in many cases.
- Increased Spending: Despite fewer visitors, the average daily spending per person has increased, indicating that visitors are spending more during their stays.
- Longer Stays: The average length of stay remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that visitors are opting for longer vacations in Hawaii.
- Regional Variations: The U.S. West and U.S. East continue to be strong markets, while Japan shows promising signs of recovery. However, Canada and other international markets still face challenges in returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Adapting to Trends to Grow Your Business
The May 2024 visitor statistics highlight key opportunities for Hawaii's tour operators. By targeting the growing Japanese market, capitalizing on increased spending from the U.S. West and East, and adapting to shifts in visitor behavior, operators can enhance their offerings. Embracing these strategies will help Hawaii remain a premier travel destination.
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