Hawaii Tourism Chief Shows Concern for 2014

Tourism industry of Hawaii Island has progressively increased over the years, but a hike in hotel prices and airfares could have an unfavorable consequence on the market in 2014.

David Uchiyama, brand manager and vice president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, said, “Things have been pretty good, we still have concerns about going forward.” That was the message brand manager and vice president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, gave at a luncheon with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Thursday.

Along with Ross Birch of the Big Island Visitors Bureau, Uchiyama, spoke at the chamber’s “Tourism…It’s Everyone’s Business” event held in Hilo. Uchiyama led the discussion about the industry’s 2014 outlook. Referencing a Powerpoint, he discussed details about air seat capacity, the island’s domestic and international markets, the cruise ship industry and what the future may hold for Hawaii Island tourism. One issue, is that prices for hotel rooms continue to increase.

Uchiyama guesses that route and seat adjustments based on requirement will result in reduced seat inventory, and there appears to be a loss in the market share to competitors based on product-price point. For the U.S. East market, there’s been no growth in air seat inventory.

There will need to be a focus on increasing air seat capacity out of the Mid-west, specifically in cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago, in order to reinforce the market. For Canada, seasonal increases of WestJet service from Alberta and Vancouver could help the market grow. As for the Japanese market, it appears that the currency exchange rate, fuel surcharge, consumption tax, and cost of product are reaching the consumer threshold.

Uchiyama also said that improvements in service and in-flight comfort would increase the attention given to Hawaii. Continuous analysis and adjustments should be made to make sure that growth continues. He also suggested that industry leaders to focus on improving the experiences of visitors by marketing events like May Day, Mele Mei, Hawaiian Music Concert Series, Kamehameha Celebration, Aloha festivals.