Record 6.9 million visitors came to the Islands in 2000
By Michele Kayal
Advertiser Staff Writer
A record number of visitors came to Hawai'i in 2000, and although they spent less than expected, tourism executives are still hailing the year as one of the best ever.
Advertiser library photo • May 31, 2000
Hawai'i tourists left behind $10.9 billion last year, about $300 million short of the $11.2 billion originally estimated by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The final figure, released yesterday by the agency, marks the second-highest annual spending by Island guests, trailing the 1995 figure of $11.1 billion.
The record 6.9 million visitors last year spent less than the $11.2 billion projected by tourism officials.
"I wasn't here in 2000, but I know I'm still trying to live up to it," said Frank Lavey, who arrived in Hawai'i about five weeks ago to become general manager of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa.
Visitor arrivals hit a record last year, with 6.9 million people coming to the Islands, according to the final figures.
Though spending missed the forecast, it exceeded the goals of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. The Authority, which uses visitor spending as the benchmark for Hawai'i tourism, aimed for 4.6 percent growth over 1999 spending. The $10.9 billion figure represents a 6.2 percent increase.
Tourism activity this year, however, appears to have stalled, and local executives say they will feel lucky if 2001 spending matches last year's.
The tourism authority originally set a goal of 10.3 percent growth in spending for 2001, but in the face of an economic slowdown, revised that to 0.4 percent growth.
"I think we should celebrate if we (hit 0.4 percent)," said Authority vice chairman David Carey, who is also chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises. "That would be a great achievement."
