December 2023 Visitor Expenditure Trends

December 2023 marked the fifth consecutive month of declining visitor expenditures in Hawaii, with total visitor arrivals (860,831 visitors, -1.3%) and spending ($1.96 billion, -1.2%) slightly down compared to December 2022.

Trends Amidst Challenges:

A noticeable decline in visitor arrivals has been observed for four out of the last five months, largely attributed to the Maui wildfires in August 2023. Despite this setback, December 2023 saw a commendable recovery.

Recovery and Exceeding Expectations:

In a promising turn of events, December 2023 arrivals showcased a remarkable 90.4 percent recovery from December 2019. Moreover, spending surpassed December 2019 levels by 11.6 percent, indicating a resilient bounce-back.

Regional Dynamics:

Notable variations were observed in visitor behavior across regions. Both the U.S. West and U.S. East regions experienced declines in arrivals, with accompanying daily spending figures. Conversely, Japanese visitor arrivals showed a slight increase from the previous year, albeit remaining below pre-pandemic levels.

Long-term Outlook:

Despite short-term fluctuations, the long-term perspective remains positive. Total visitor spending for 2023 reached $20.78 billion, signaling an upward trend compared to previous years. This increase was underpinned by a steady rise in total arrivals, highlighting Hawaii's enduring appeal as a premier tourist destination.

While December 2023 posed challenges for Hawaii's tourism industry, it also showcased resilience and adaptability. By navigating through these trends and leveraging insights, stakeholders can chart a course towards sustainable growth and continued success in the years ahead.

December 2023 Visitor Expenditure Trends

https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/24-05/

Kehau Gomes REALTOR®

kehau.gomes@kw.com

808-315-1721 Mobile | Text

https://www.kwcommercialbigisland.com/