Skift Take
Hawaii and Maui won’t see a complete tourism recovery if the general public view them as responsible for leaving the wildfire victims homeless.
Dawit Habtemariam
Maui locals voiced their aggravation with tourist promo at a community conference held by the Hawaiia Tourist Authority on Monday. Individuals were distressed about accommodating travelers as wildfire survivors are still in requirement of housing.
“Tourism has actually added to the trauma by contributing to the worry of the displaced being tossed out of the hotels where they have actually been remaining given that losing their homes,” said one Lahaina citizen at the conference.
The real estate scenario of the displaced residents was a lightning rod. Thousands lost their homes to the August 8 wildfire and after that were housed in hotels.
Local relief agencies and the federal government have yet to find a long-lasting housing service for the displaced. The entire island was opened to tourist on November 1.
“We’re stressing over what’s going on tomorrow while these individuals galavant about and have a good time,” said one citizen.
Tourist is essential to Maui’s economy. About 70% of every dollar produced in the island comes directly or indirectly from the visitor market, according to the Maui Economic Development Tourism Board.
Maui Struggles to Recuperate Tourist: Most Current Information
- Tourists spending in Maui down by over $100 million. Visitor spending was $326 million in October, down from $436 million in 2015.
- 20,000 fewer travelers in Maui daily. Daily visitor count in October totaled 36,000, below over 59,400 from in 2015.
- 2024 demand is underperforming. Flight and hotel bookings are “lower than normal compared to a year ago,” stated Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer of Hawaii Tourist Authority.
- Many travelers are still puzzled about whether it’s all right to travel to Maui due to inconsistent, often conflicting, messaging, according to a study by the Hawaii Tourist Authority.
Over 5,000 were unemployed for the week of Thanksgiving. That’s down from the peak of 8,800 in mid-September, however that could be since people vacated Maui to find work in other places, said Gionson.
Over a 3rd of wildfire survivors say work and monetary healing is their most important requirement, according to the Hawaiian government.
Alaska Airlines CFO Sees a Healing Next Year
“I believe that’s going to occur in due time. It’s got to be ideal for the neighborhood,” said Shane R. Tackett, Alaska Airlines’ CFO in a call with financiers about the proposed merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
“But we feel in one’s bones that’s a location individuals are going to wish to take a trip to over the long term. I don’t think it’s a several-year process. I think there’s a lot of need already starting to show up that wants to go back to Maui.”