HONOLULU -- Despite the downturn in international visitor numbers,
tourism in Hawaii is looking up thanks to a strong influx of
travelers from the mainland U.S. and an increase in visitor
expenditures in 2002.
Total visitor expenditures rose 6.8% to more than $9.8 billion
in 2002, compared with $9.2 billion in 2001, according to
preliminary data released by the state Department of Business,
Economic Development and Tourism.
Average daily spending grew from $159 to $163 per person, and
the average length of stay increased as well.
DBEDT's survey of neighbor-island guests indicates that a
typical out-of-state visitor to Lanai spent $247 per person per day
in 2002, leading all other islands (Oahu was not part of the
survey, however).
Daily visitor spending on Maui was second at $161 per person,
and Kauai was third at $143 per person.